Live cattle handling demonstrations at Husker Harvest Days always draw enthusiastic crowds. Maybe that's because HHD was one of the first big outdoor farm shows to incorporate side-by-side chute comparisons and live cattle handling into the schedule nearly 30 years ago. Or maybe it's because of the legendary Lexington veterinarian and demonstration narrator since the beginning of the demonstrations at HHD, "Dr. Joe" Jeffrey.

According to Jeffrey, side-by-side comparisons of cattle chutes along with explanations by company representatives make the demonstrations useful. Seeing the chutes in action as cattle are being processed helps producers make their own decisions about the chutes that work best for their operations.

"We try to tell a few stories and have some fun, too," says Jeffrey, who uses humor to engage and inform the audiences. "The real heroes of the demonstrations are the guys operating the chutes."

The concept for side-by-side chute comparisons and live-cattle handling at HHD developed around Jeffrey's kitchen table, in a discussion between Jeffrey and Tim Talbott, who worked for Big Valley. Originally, chute and livestock equipment manufacturers exhibited at HHD across the grounds at different locations. Bringing the equipment together, so producers could compare their features, was a practical way to help HHD visitors see the chutes in action.

"It has been a lot of fun," says Jeffrey. "It is much more successful than I would have anticipated. The chutes have really improved over the years," he says. "The greatest changes have been how strong the chutes are built today, and that they are much safer for the livestock and the handlers."

The demonstrations, located on Lot 860 in the Livestock Industry Building at the corner of Eighth Street and West Avenue, have always been situated in a prime spot, amid livestock exhibits, breed association displays and beef-related equipment and machinery.

The demonstrations of chutes, vaccination and implanting devices will be daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Within the working facility complex, producers can talk with sales representatives from manufacturers of fencing, livestock panels, buildings and facilities, waterers, animal health and feeding systems, and haying equipment.