PAACO 2025

At STF, animal welfare isn’t just a priority—it’s a responsibility we take to heart. This spring, we had the privilege of putting that commitment into action by hosting the Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization (PAACO) for their annual spring training.

Over the course of the event, we welcomed 40 industry professionals from across the country who came together to learn and refine best practices for humane handling audits. The training covered critical areas such as transportation, stunning, insensibility, and facility conditions—all essential components of responsible animal care.

One of the most memorable moments came from Dr. Temple Grandin, a world-renowned expert and advocate for humane livestock handling. As part of the group, Dr. Grandin praised our team for their excellent pig handling and encouraged participants to take a “mental video” of what they observed and apply those high standards in their own facilities.

The feedback from the other facilitators was equally encouraging. They spoke highly of the conditions, practices, and professionalism demonstrated throughout the training—and notably, offered no recommendations for improvement. That kind of recognition speaks volumes about the dedication and care our team brings to their work every day.

We’re proud to support PAACO and its mission to elevate animal welfare standards across the industry. Hosting this training aligns perfectly with our own values and our ongoing commitment to education, transparency, and continuous improvement.