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RAVENNA, Ohio — On Friday, May 15, 2026, the Ravenna High School Auditorium became a hub for agricultural education and welfare advocacy as Portage County Farm Bureau hosted a highly anticipated evening with the world-renowned animal behaviorist and autism advocate, Dr. Temple Grandin.

The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 400 local farmers, community members, educators, and students eager to hear from a pioneer whose designs have revolutionized livestock handling across North America and the globe.

An evening of engagement and expertise

The program commenced with an intimate book signing and autograph session. Attendees lined up with copies of Dr. Grandin’s best-selling literature, eager for a brief personal encounter with the Colorado State University professor.

Dr. Grandin took the stage to deliver her keynote address, focusing on her trailblazing work in animal welfare and humane livestock processing systems. Known for her unique ability to “think in pictures,” Dr. Grandin explained how her visual thinking allowed her to perceive the world from an animal’s point of view—noticing subtle stressors like harsh shadows, flapping coats, or sudden noises that human handlers frequently overlook.

She emphasized that reducing stress in livestock is not only an ethical imperative but also an economic one, improving overall meat quality and worker safety.

“Good handling requires a lot of economic investment in your mind, not just your facilities. It requires understanding how the animal perceives the world,” Grandin said.

Deep roots in Ohio agriculture

During her presentation, Dr. Grandin highlighted her direct impact on Ohio’s own agricultural landscape. In North America, roughly half of all cattle are handled using systems she designed. Her engineered chutes, curved loading ramps, corrals and stockyards are active right in the region, serving local operations such as Portage County’s own Dumas Meats, as well as the Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster.

Her designs seamlessly scale from these localized Ohio family operations to international giants like McDonald’s, illustrating the universal efficiency of humane handling.

Community dialogue

The evening concluded with a lively half-hour Q&A session. Audience members—ranging from high school students to multigenerational farmers—asked questions about the future of livestock handling, the integration of new technologies in farming, and practical tips for managing herd behaviors. Dr. Grandin answered each with her trademark candor, practicality, and sharp wit.