The attitude and skill of the stockperson is one of the most significant determinants of farm animal welfare, with positive human-animal relationships improving outcomes across species.
The stockperson is the single most influential welfare factor in many farming systems - more so than housing design or feeding system. Animals that fear their handlers experience chronic stress and handle poorly, creating a cycle of poor welfare. Investment in stockperson training, selection for empathetic attitudes and recognition of excellent animal care by farm assurance schemes significantly improves animal welfare across systems.