We know there is never a true down time in farming, but summer time often gives a little more space for thinking and planning.
Next spring the new requirements for calf holding and loading pens will be operational. For some farmers this may mean constructing new pens.
We will needto be creative about how we can meet the loading requirements in a practical manner.
Calves will need to be at truck height for loading and in a covered pen. How you can achieve this depends on several factors.
Making use of the summer period to get this sorted will give adequate time to design and build these. At our December discussion group we will look at ways this can be achieved in different situations. Factors to consider include:
1. Where is the best access for the truck - can we use existing driveways/tanker tracks? 2. Can we use what we already have? Having the pens inside an existing barn reduces the requirement for extra shelter. 3. Is a temporary/moveable structure best? 4. How does it meet the health and safety regulations? 5. How does it fit in with our existing work load at that time of year?
There is no one solution. What's best for your farm will vary depending on how you answered the previous questions.
See you at the December group for more discussion and ideas.
