To those specialists who have years of experience and expertise behind them, the creation of sheep yards appears like a straightforward exercise. 

Surely there is a manual or handbook guide which dictates what needs to be included and what steps to avoid to deliver an outstanding commercial operation in the private agriculture sector? 

Thankfully these practitioners are forthcoming with their advice to prospective business owners, setting out 6 official practices which are responsible and common-sense in nature. 

1) Consider Livestock Volumes 

Acquiring a location for agricultural purposes opens up a number of avenues for professional operators, but much of their work is shaped by the volume of sheep they will be managing day-to-day. The mob size run on the farm will differentiate between locations and according to demand. This is where the inclusion of a ‘U’ shaped bugle yard or a circular forcing yard could be advantageous, offering consistency with the flow of livestock irrespective of the numbers at the time. 

2) Integrate Quality Infrastructure

The mechanisms that commercial practitioners use to develop sheep yards from the ground floor all centre around the quality of infrastructure on site. For business owners to have genuine peace of mind about the health and safety of their animals, and those staff members who oversee their handling duties, they need to invest in first-class materials, including: 

  • Catchers
  • Panels
  • Gates
  • Chutes
  • Races
  • Ramps

If they are manufactured and sold with guarantees from industry experts with long-term material integrity, then the venture has a chance of success. 

3) Focus on Safety & Efficiency 

What commercial owners are seeking with these projects above all else is to enjoy a smooth transition with the animals without any interruption or delay. The ‘U’ shaped development structure is commonplace for that very reason, helping handlers to isolate sheep for tagging or medical reasons. There should be a seamless flow where cluttered collections are bypassed, outlining just how responsible the organisation happens to be with their handling of livestock. 

4) Consult With Other Professionals 

No one should expect to be across every minor detail with the formation of sheep yards. Even those who have a background in this very field are enlightened by new practices and technologies which make life easier on the farm. Opening conversations with industry peers, owners and handlers alike can open their eyes to fresh possibilities and interesting strategies. 

5) Contingency Planning Measures 

Even the best plans will come under pressure due to internal and external forces. If there happens to be scope to save additional space, to utilise safety precautions during severe weather events and flooding hazards, or to save additional feeding loads if further supplies are compromised, then participants afford themselves time and breathing room. Challenges will always emerge in these environments and it will be those who prepare ahead of time who are on safe ground. 

6) Receive Compliance Guarantees 

The involvement of expert compliance officials removes much of the doubt and confusion agricultural professionals may have when approaching this project. Are they working in line with current local, state and federal guidelines? Are they complying with the terms of a contract with their insurance provider? By having some input and discussions to seek assurances, then those topics no longer have to be assumed or left to guesswork, something which may cost the business dearly in the long-term. 

Summary 

Being responsible with the development of sheep yards does require hard work and diligence, yet the end result makes it entirely worthwhile. A lack of oversight will damage the brand and leave the enterprise vulnerable. It can be a thriving operation if the foundations are put into position early.