200 to 600 Cow-Calf Pair Facility
This facility is ideal for 200 mama cows and calves or more. The owner of this ranch in Texas has 600 mama cows that pass through this facility every year. A set of six holding pens, every 2700 square feet, connected to the facility with a long alley that allows sorting cows and calves into […]
The first-ever large-scale modern cattle feed yard in China
The first-ever large-scale modern cattle feed yard in China. Unique as far as feed yards go, the 30,000 cattle are ALL Holstein Bulls bottle-fed at the feed yard and raised their entire lives until finishing. The sentence takes on more meaning when considering that Holstein Bulls are the most dangerous domestic animal. Adding to the […]
High Speed Meat Processing Plant
This slaughter plant in Mexico is in the top 5 of the world’s largest, with a daily line speed that exceeds 240+ cattle per hour. With those numbers in mind, there’s no room for mistakes. I started the plans in 2012, and construction finished in 2015. One of the company’s largest feed yards is less […]
Do your cattle stop when they reach the squeeze chute?
Do your cattle stop when they reach the squeeze chute? Is a tap on the rear end or a little tail-twisting necessary to get them in? Do you think they’re stubborn or fearful when they do this? I have an answer. Cattle have panoramic vision. They can see things in all directions without moving their […]
Cow-Calf Handling System
This ranch in Texas has 600 mama cows that pass through this facility every year. They sort cows and calves in the pens before going to the working chutes. The cows go first; then, a calf tilt table is moved in front of the squeeze chute and chained to the head gate to keep it […]
Stairway to Heaven
In 2020, after coronavirus outbreaks forced large processing plants to reduce capacity or shut down, farmers needed places to go with their animals. In response, the U.S. Department of Agriculture spent hundreds of millions supporting new meat and poultry processing facilities, relieving bottlenecks, and supporting facility expansions. This plant in Colorado, opening in the fall […]
Small Versatile Meat Plant
In 2020, after coronavirus outbreaks forced large processing plants to reduce capacity or shut down, farmers needed places to go with their animals. In response, the U.S. Department of Agriculture spent hundreds of millions supporting new meat and poultry processing facilities, relieving bottlenecks, and supporting facility expansions. This plant in Colorado, opening in the fall […]
The Meadowbrook Farm
The Meadowbrook Farm at Eastern Kentucky University is home to this cattle research and teaching facility. The system sports two hydraulic squeeze chutes, so two sets of students can learn to operate the squeeze chutes while practicing husbandry procedures. Getting good overhead pictures of the layout is difficult inside the building, so I included a […]
Curved Handling Systems Built by Wood, Small to Medium Farms
Curved handling systems built from wood are a cost-effective alternative to steel. Wood is ideal for small and medium-sized ranches. The post layout is the same, but the curves are in 4-foot (1219) straight sections. Treated posts or railroad ties make good fence posts, and 2-inch (50) x 6 inches (152) treated boards make good […]
How To Choose The Best Cattle Handling Facility Design?
When designing a cattle handling facility, it’s necessary to consider not only the efficiency of the facility but also the welfare of the animals and the safety of workers. Incorporating design features that promote animal welfare, reduce stress levels, and improve worker safety can lead to a more productive and efficient facility while promoting ethical […]
