Lynch Family Companies is Committed to Strong Biosecurity Practices and Safe Livestock Transportation

Lynch Family Companies is Committed to Strong Biosecurity Practices and Safe Livestock Transportation

By: Russ Bohach, President of GJL Farms Production

Protecting the safety of the animals we care for, the workers we employ and the customers we serve are just a few of Lynch Family Companies’ top priorities. One of the ways we achieve these goals is by promoting strong biosecurity standards and minimizing the spread of infectious diseases – especially during the transportation of animals and processing of pork and beef.

What is biosecurity?

According to the Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship, biosecurity is just another way of saying “infectious disease control” and encompasses all that is done to prevent the spread of viruses and diseases throughout all stages of livestock production. 

Maintaining biosecurity is particularly important during transportation because of cross contamination risks. The U.S. Department of Agriculture emphasizes that “the addition of new animals to an operation is a potential route for disease introduction.” This means that every time animals are transported – whether they are added or removed from a barn, facility or herd – viruses can spread. This could quickly compromise the safety of animals, employees and consumers alike. 

Livestock transportation at Lynch Family Companies

Safe livestock transportation is so important to Lynch Family Companies and Lynch Livestock that we created our own livestock transportation company. Livestock Express is the livestock transportation division of Lynch Family Companies that was created in 1988. Today, it operates 32 semi tractors and 80 livestock, reefer, feed and grain trailers that transport livestock across the Midwest. 

The values that guide Livestock Express reflect those of its parent company, Lynch Family Companies. These values include integrity, responsibility, family and excellence and guide its commitment to animal welfare and communities. 

“With Livestock Express, you know that your livestock will be professionally transported in a safe and humane environment,” said Art Perry, transportation manager at Livestock Express.  

Examples of biosecurity best practices

Livestock Express follows strict protocols that protects animal well-being and uses biosecurity practices that ensure the health of the animals during transportation. According to We Care, this commitment was created in 2008 to “promote responsibility across every aspect of pork production.” These principles target animal welfare, food safety, public health and stewardship of the environment. Livestock Express understands the importance of proper handling and the humane treatment of the animals entrusted to them, which is why all Lynch Family Companies divisions follow the most stringent biosecurity protocols to protect its livestock and employees while also preventing the spread of infectious diseases. 

Some of these practices include meticulously disinfecting, washing and cleaning trailers and facilities after the transportation of animals. Above all else, comprehensive biosecurity protocols and animal welfare information are visibly posted in Lynch Family Companies farms, facilities, offices and other places where employees work with animals. This information educates our employees to continuously refresh their knowledge of biosecurity best practices. 

Lynch Family Companies shows its commitment to livestock welfare, its employees and customers through biosecurity strategies that minimize the spread of disease, reflecting Lynch Family Companies’ mission to be a leader in the agriculture and pork production industries.

About Lynch

Lynch Family Companies is a family-owned, agriculture-focused organization based out of Waucoma, Iowa. From animal nutrition and pork and beef production to livestock transportation and automotive services, Lynch’s thirteen companies provide services tailored to their respective communities and customers – all bound by Lynch Family Companies’ commitment to feed our communities, region and world.