RED DEER, Alta. – The Alberta Farm Animal Care Association (AFAC) has presented Canadian Food Inspection Agency officer and hog sled inventor, Darren Malchow, with their first annual Award of Distinction.

AFAC explains the invention of the hog sled has done wonders to promote the humane handling of downer hogs.

“It is important to note that Darren developed the hog sled and an excellent video on his own time, with his own money,” says the group.

For his part, Malchow says he was honored to receive the award.

“An award such as this is a definite team award from the producers and truck drivers to the plant managers and their personnel,” says Malchow. “Everyone working together makes this work.”

Meanwhile, Malchow has teamed up with United Farmers of Alberta Co-operative to distribute the sleds.

Anyone interested in purchasing a sled for their truck, meat plant or unloading station, can do so by calling Fred Armstrong at 800-835-6932. n