3 Must Have Pieces of Cattle Equipment if You’re New to Ranching

Starting anything new can feel intimidating at first. This is especially true for those gaining an interest in the livestock industry. Lately, more and more people have emerged within the cattle business. This is because people want to raise their own beef, milk their cows, and better understand where their food comes from.

If you’re new to cattle or looking to get started, you’ve probably noticed there is a lot to remember. From feeding rations to the size of pens and must-have cattle equipment, every piece of the puzzle matters to ensure you run a successful operation – even if you’re an up-and-coming rancher with a small herd.

As you begin the process of building your operation, it’s essential you have the right equipment. That’s why we’ve put together this guide with three pieces of cattle equipment that are a must-have on any cattle operation.

1. Maximize Efficiency with Cattle Corral Panels & Gates

Cattle corral panels and gates are essential pieces of equipment to have on any ranch. Whether you’re looking to set up a semi-permanent holding area, a permanent round pen, or fix a damaged fence temporarily, panels and gates are great solutions.

When deciding on corral panels and gates, there’s more to consider than you may think. Before purchasing, you’ll want to consider where you’ll use the panels most. This will help you decide the length, height, and rail size of the panel you’ll need. Before you make a purchase, you’ll also want to look at the quality of construction.

The first thing you’ll want to do is choose cattle gates and panels designed with squared or rectangular rails. This helps to provide a broader surface for cattle who may bump into the panels, greatly reducing the severity of bruising and increasing value at sale time. The rectangular rails also provide a clearer visual barrier for livestock, which is likely to reduce the risk of cattle challenging the panels.

It’s also essential to think about the spacing between each rail. Choosing corral panels and gates that have progressively spaced rails is critical. This ensures cattle cannot stick their heads through and get stuck – saving you a lot of time and money in the long run.

2. Incorporate Safety with a Cattle Working Chute

For years, ranchers would use homemade wooden head gates when handling their cattle. Over time, cattle handling equipment has improved to better prioritize safety, but with so many options on the market, it can be hard to choose the best one – especially when just starting. With a small herd, you may not need a cattle chute with all the bells and whistles, but you will need something that reduces the risk of pinched fingers or broken bones for you and anyone else involved.

This is where Arrowquip’s new Easylock 33 Series comes in. This cattle working chute is designed for those who have less than 50 head of cattle but need a better option compared to their current setup. The Easylock 33 features the same ratchet locking head gate as the trusted Arrowlock 55 and 75 cattle chutes, so you’re promised a strong, secure hold every time. However, unlike Arrowquip’s other manual squeeze chutes, the Easylock 33 uses a “V” style squeeze to provide a secure fit around your livestock to help minimize movement.

The Easylock 33 also provides optimal access to your livestock without compromising your safety. With two removable side access panels, a full offside emergency exit, a removable fold-down bottom panel, and a 6 ¾” needle access, you can easily reach your animal from any angle. No matter the size of your herd, ease of use and safety are two things you should never compromise.

3. Save Time and Money with the Right Cattle Mineral Feeder

Many ranchers will choose to feed their cattle additional supplements such as salt and minerals to ensure they are getting everything they need to stay healthy. There are many ways to feed your cattle supplements, whether loose or through blocks, one thing is certain: you’ll need a cattle mineral feeder. Like with all other cattle equipment, there are a lot of styles and options on the market, which can make things difficult, especially if you’re not sure which one to go with. However, with the right cattle mineral feeder, you can save time and money.

You’ll want to ensure you’re investing in something built with high-quality materials when it comes to mineral feeders. Most mineral feeders use plastic, so make sure the one you choose is made with thick, premium plastic to withstand rowdy cattle and harsh weather conditions. You’ll also want to protect the mineral from weather such as rain, wind, and snow, so make sure the cattle mineral feeder you decide on has a weatherproof cover to help prolong the life of your minerals.

As you work to build your ranch, you’ll quickly discover the value of investing in high-quality cattle handling equipment. From the larger equipment, such as cattle working chutes, to the smaller equipment, like cattle mineral feeders, each is just as important as the next. By prioritizing quality and functionality in your equipment choices, you’re laying a solid foundation for a successful ranch operation for years to come.