U of I Launches STEER Program to Train First Responders for Livestock Emergencies

University of Idaho Extension creates new training to help law enforcement, firefighters, and others respond to livestock transportation accidents and emergencies.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The University of Idaho Extension has created a new program called STEER (Stock Transportation Emergency Education and Response) to train first responders across the state on how to handle livestock emergencies and transportation accidents. The program includes both classroom learning and hands-on training with live cattle, horses, and sheep, and is designed for law enforcement, firefighters, brand inspectors, and other first responders who may be called to assist when livestock are loose or injured due to vehicle crashes.

Why it matters

Livestock emergencies are a common occurrence in rural Idaho, one of the states with more cattle than human residents. However, first responders often lack clear protocols on how to properly handle these situations. The STEER program aims to fill this training gap and equip first responders with the knowledge and skills to safely and effectively respond to livestock-related incidents on public roads.

The details

The STEER program consists of a half-day of classroom learning followed by a half-day of hands-on training with live animals. Participants will learn techniques such as how to properly halter a horse and safely move livestock. The program is being offered at several locations across Idaho in April, with registration costing $10 per person. University of Idaho Extension educators developed the curriculum based on a similar program at Michigan State University, and are also collaborating with The Ohio State University on their livestock emergency response training.

  • The STEER program sessions are scheduled for April 20 in Eastern Idaho, April 21 in Jerome, April 22 in Caldwell, and April 24-25 in Moscow.
  • University of Idaho meat science and veterinary science students will participate in the April 25 training on the Moscow campus.

The players

University of Idaho Extension

The outreach and engagement division of the University of Idaho that created the STEER program to train first responders on handling livestock emergencies.

Sawyer Fonnesbeck

Extension Educator in Oneida County who helped develop the STEER program after finding a lack of existing training for first responders on livestock emergencies.

Cody Burlile

Idaho Brand Inspector who says the STEER program is a great idea and something that is needed in the state, and has offered to assist in whatever capacity he can.

Selena Davila

Lincoln County Extension Educator who was chosen as the University of Idaho's new point of contact for the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) and received a $25,000 grant to launch the STEER program.

Michigan State University Extension

Provided the curriculum for their similar livestock emergency response training program to help the University of Idaho develop the STEER program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“In talking with the police supervisors, the county sheriffs and others, they say that there isn't a training on this that they are provided by their own statewide organizations. If a livestock trailer crashes, for example, usually they're going to be responsible for the crash and the vehicle. As far as the livestock, they are kind of like, 'OK, what do we do?' Sometimes they just call the owner of the livestock and see if they can do anything.”

— Sawyer Fonnesbeck, Extension Educator, Oneida County (idahobusinessreview.com)

“I think it's a great idea, and it's something that is needed within the state. I would love to help out in whatever capacity I can.”

— Cody Burlile, Idaho Brand Inspector (idahobusinessreview.com)

What’s next

The University of Idaho Extension team hopes to eventually get the STEER program approved for continuing education credits for law enforcement professionals through Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training.

The takeaway

The creation of the STEER program by the University of Idaho Extension highlights the importance of providing specialized training to first responders in rural areas on how to properly handle livestock emergencies. This training will help ensure public safety and better protect both the animals and the community when these incidents occur.