Enhancing safety, animal welfare, and research capacity with upgraded headlocks and automated livestock curtains at Mann Valley Farm
This project strengthens the capabilities of the Mann Valley Farm dairy facility at UW–River Falls by introducing improved animal handling systems and automated environmental controls. Enhanced headlocks support safer, more efficient handling of cows for research, teaching, and daily care, while reducing stress for both animals and handlers. At the same time, automated livestock curtains enable real-time control of temperature, airflow, and humidity, creating a more consistent and comfortable environment for the herd.
Together, these improvements increase research capacity and operational efficiency. The upgraded systems allow for more advanced studies in areas such as animal health, behavior, and production, while reducing labor demands and improving responsiveness to changing conditions. The project also enhances hands-on learning for students and supports modern, data-driven dairy management practices.
Principal Investigator: Duane Thompson
A lifelong farmer and agricultural professional, Thompson has owned and operated Brookview Farms in Glenwood City, Wisconsin, since 1986. With over 37 years of experience in dairy and crop production, he brings extensive knowledge in animal husbandry, agronomy, equipment maintenance, and farm management. He currently serves as the farm manager at the UW–River Falls Mann Valley Farm, supporting both educational and research initiatives. Duane holds BQA and FARM certifications, as well as a Private Pesticide Applicator license. He is a graduate of Glenwood City High School and completed the Farm Business & Production Management Program at WITC–New Richmond.
duane.thompson@uwrf.edu