complete stock management solution

April 2014

Tel: 01765 689541 Fax: 01765 689851 Email: [email protected] www.ritchey.co.uk

RD2000 • Available in Visual and EID, both applied with the

same applicator• Unique snag free design, providing excellent retention• High quality FDX-B chip moulded into the body of the

tag, so the external tag remains unchanged• RD2000 Flag available for management purposes• Visual available in 11 colours and can be mixed and

matched giving you over 80 possible combinations.

• EID available in 6 colours (Scotland only)

Sheep Tags

2

Cattle TagsSnapp Tagg

Combining reliability and technology for sheep farmers.

• Available in visual and EID, both applied with the same applicator• Locks together tightly without pinching• In strips of 10 for easy handling• Waterproof and shock resistant EID chip• Lightweight and easy to apply• Outstanding readability• Visual available in 8 colours:

• EID available in 6 colours (Scotland only)

Applicator Tool - 09021


®

Tel: 01765 689541 Fax: 01765 689851 Email: [email protected] www.ritchey.co.uk 3

Cattle Tags

Reusable EID Button

• The same internal technology as the non reusable tag but manufactured to allow multiple use• When reusing the tag please ensure the correct male tags are used• HDX Transponder• Suitable for management use only• Diameter: 30mm





EID

• DEFRA approved Secondary tags• High quality plastic• Excellent retention and read distance• Fast, easy application• HDX Transponder• Also available as management tags

Visual

• DEFRA approved Primary and Secondary tags• High quality plastic• Fast, easy application• Also available as management tags• Management and Secondary tags available in

9 colours:


Why Weigh?Weighing replaces guess-work with facts, making it a powerful performance measurement tool for farmers.

The information provided by Tru-Test weigh scale indicators assists in decision making about feed rations, health treatments and condition scoring. On its own, weighing is a valuable addition to your operation. However, with the emergence of electronic identification (EID), an opportunity exists to maximise the potential of the data collected.

What is EID?Electronic Identification (EID) allows you to track individuals through their entire life cycle via an electronic ear tag (or other EID device such as a bolus).

Many governments have implemented (or are planning to implement) mandatory EID schemes to help protect the industry from the impact of biosecurity threats. From a farmer’s point of view, tagging animals with an electronic (EID) tag can add value by allowing better management of individual performance. With EID, an animals history can be tracked allowing identification of good and bad performers. Streamlining you herd/flock allows inputs to be assessed and profits maximised.

Electronic Weighing

4


Elec

tron

ic W

eigh

ing

What are the benefits of Weighing to your Farming Operation?

Avoid Penalties! Ensure livestock are sold at the optimum weight grade Closely managing the weight gain of individual animals or mobs can help you tailor your feed and treatment inputs to ensure maximum profitability, reduce the risk of penalties, Saving you money!

Minimise treatment waste Drench/pour-on dosage can be calculated more accurately based on the requirements of the individual animal. Incorrect dosing is the number one cause of drench resistance amongst livestock, so while minimising treatment waste, you’re also maximising the health of your herd.

Monitor reproductive performance Closely monitoring the weight gain of offspring can help make breeding decisions to maximise reproductive performance. In addition, ensuring optimum mating weights can improve breeding performance. Making sure target calving weights are reached will improve calving outcome.

Identify sick or lame animals earlier Regular weighing of individual animals means weight loss and other issues that manifest over time are identified sooner, allowing prevention rather than cure. Early detection helps when managing input costs such as feed, health treatment and culling.

Manage your time spent in the yard Your time is a valuable input in your farming operation. With the use of Tru-Test weigh systems your weigh sessions are completed faster and with less labour.

Electronic Weighing

5


Electronic Weighing

7

Loadbar Selection Chart

Tel: 01765 689541 Email: [email protected] Fax: 01765 689851 Web: www.ritchey.co.uk

Indicator Selection Chart

Internal Rechargeable Battery

Backlit Screen

Battery Life 20 Hours run time 20 Hours run time 14 Hours run time, with continuous use

15 Hours run time,with continuous use

13.5 Hours run time, with continuous use

Computer Link

Memory 15,000 Records 10,000 Records 50,000 Records 50,000 Records

EID Compatible

Bluetooth Connectivity Possible with

Bluetooth dongle

Comment Field 12 Digit comment field per entry

12 Digit commentfield per entry

3 x 12 Digit commentfield per entry


SuperdampTechnologyDaily Liveweight GainDisplay

Group Statistics

Individual Statistics

AutoDraft Compatible Draft by weight only

Life Data Fields 8 Customisable lifedata fields

8 Customisable lifedata fields

MP600 MP800 MP1010 HD800 HD1010

Portable/ Temporary

Permanent

Capacity 2000kg 3000kg 3000kg 3000kg 3000kg

TM

Electronic Weighing Equipment

See these Indicators in action - Visit our video library:http://www.ritchey.co.uk/video-library/default.aspx

7





Backlit Screen




Computer Link


EID Compatible


Bluetooth dongle






Group Statistics





MP600 MP800 MP1010 HD800 HD1010

Portable/ Temporary

Permanent


TM




Load bar Selection Chart

6


HD800Heavy Duty 800 mm load bars(60102)

Heavy Duty (HD) Load Bars

HD load bars are designed for heavy duty permanent installations where extra durability is required.

• 3,000 kg capacity• For permanent installation under

a crush or crate where extra durability is required

• Compatible with any weigh scale indicator in the Tru-Test range

• Corrosion resistant galvanised housing• Reinforced cables to prevent damage• IP67 rated - Water and dust proof

HD1010Heavy Duty 1010 mm load bars(60202)

In house servicing & repair available, please see page 30 for more details.

Multi Purpose (MP) Load Bars

Tru-Test MP Series load bars are the multi-purpose solution in the range.

• Versatile, can be used with a temporary or permanent installation

• Compatible with any weigh scale indicator in the Tru-Test range

• Corrosion resistant zinc plated, gold passivated housing

• Rugged and durable load bars• Reinforced cables to prevent damage• Rubber feet provide extra grip

and shock dispersal• IP67 rated - Water and dust proof

MP600Multi-purpose 600 mm load bars2000 kg capacity(60001)



Electronic Weighing Load bars

7





Backlit Screen




Computer Link


EID Compatible


Bluetooth dongle






Group Statistics





MP600 MP800 MP1010 HD800 HD1010

Portable/ Temporary

Permanent


TM



7





Backlit Screen




Computer Link


EID Compatible


Bluetooth dongle






Group Statistics





MP600 MP800 MP1010 HD800 HD1010

Portable/ Temporary

Permanent


TM




Load bar Selection Chart

7


• Wireless communication with EID readers up to 100m away, or connect via cable

• Records information against EID and VID tags• Calculates and displays an animal’s daily weight gain

since the previous session• Record notes for each individual animal or a batch• Stores up to 100 weighing sessions and 15,000

records• Summary statistics from the current and previous

weighing sessions can be recalled in the yard• Speeds up drafting by weight, displaying up to 3

directions to custom set ranges• Long life battery, up to 20 hrs of run time, charge time

3 hrs, auto power down to save battery life• Superdamp™ III technology, with 4 damping modes• Auto incrementing and auto prefixing for fast entry of

VID• Bright red stable light• IP67, 100% water and dust proof

Indicators

• Highly visible display - The EziWeigh5 has a large 35 mm display with a super bright white LED backlight to make it viewable in all conditions, from the brightest daylight conditions to darkness.

• Bright red stable light - You can easily identify when you have a stable weight

• Fine mode - On/off option allows weighing to 0.1/0.2kg accuracy for lower weights

• Auto power off - The EziWeigh5 automatically turns off after 15 minutes of no activity to save the battery

• Superdamp™ III technology

(61513)


• Fast charging - Mains charger can charge the battery in 3 hours

(61515)

8


Indicators Indicators

• Fully EID compatible• 10,000 individual animal records• One 6 digit and one 16 digit data

field with cross referencing to enable dual ID numbers to be recorded

• Bluetooth connectivity• One 4 digit code field per file

for recording additional animal information

• Up to 3 way drafting• Report printing of data, statistics and file summary info• IP67 rated - water and dust proof


THE WORLD’S BIGGEST SELLING ANIMAL WEIGH SCALE

Advanced EID compatible weigh scale indicator. Enables convenient, streamlined collection of data with automatic incrementing, repetition of common data and prefix. Simple downloading and uploading of files to PC, makes analysis away from the weigh site easy.

• Fully EID compatible• 50,000 individual animal records• 8 x 25 character file data fields with

cross reference capabilities• Ability to record animal traits; breed, sire,

dam• Custom fields for easy data entry• Statistics from current and previous

sessions• Animal history tables• Weight gain and predictions• Up to 10 way drafting• On-screen graphics for easy navigation/

analysis• Weight gain line graphs• User configurable reports• Data filters

• Bluetooth available - Wireless communication with EID readers and laptops

• IP67 rated - water and dust proof

Standard (61303) Bluetooth enabled (61304)

(61307)

9


XRS Stick Reader

• Reads all HDX and FDX-B tags• 20,000 scanned tag memory• 50 sessions for grouping/Separating flock• Vibrating handle to alert on tag read• Loud beeper and 2 super bright LEDs

for alerts• Duplicate discard option, so it won’t read the

same tag twice• Large display which shows both EID and

Visual number• Tag Buckets can be uploaded onto the stick• Bluetooth® for wireless connectivity up to

100m• Auto find Bluetooth® pairing and connection

- retains a list of 10 previously paired Bluetooth® devices

• Customisable alerts for selected animals - meaning you will be notified by the reader when pre-selected animals are read

• Enter customised data, like health treatments or condition scores, against individual animals (pre-set list of up to 10 options)

• Compatible with a Mobile Printer (09819)• Supplied with Tru-Test EziLink™ enabling

export and import of data and alert/custom field set up.

Rugged. Fast. Easy. Long battery life Fully portable

IT WON’T LET YOU DOWN!

(09817)

EID Readers

10


Mobile printer with Bluetooth

• Fully portable and compatible with the XRS Stick Reader

• Bluetooth for wireless communication• Durable, waterproof paper• Unique single handed easy

paper load system• Utilises a high speed and

high quality fixed head mechanism with superb quality text

• Strong case design that won’t stress the lid hinge

(09819)

EID Readers EID Readers

NEW XRP2 Panel Reader

• Reads all HDX and FDX-B tags• Option to record EID tag numbers or

send to your weigh head• Wireless connectivity with Bluetooth

enabled Tru-Test Indicator or smartphone using Bluetooth technology

• Easily download recorded information using your Android smartphone or PC

• Plug and play setup, with unique auto tuning function

• Antenna options to suit your set up• Rugged design for the tough

agricultural environment• Read range up to 1m• Daylight viewable screen• Powered by mains or a 12V power

supply

Sheep (09794) Cattle (09793)

11


Animal Handling SystemsMobile Sheep Yards

Standard 10’ Mobile Yard

Includes: • Mobile unit with 3 way drafting, geared

winch, strong drawbar, gate support arms, retaining straps and 13” wheels (PS01000UK)

• Single lane, 16’ two-section handling race• 7’ x 36” alloy gate x 20 (PS20500)• 6’ Diamond gate x 1 (PS22200)• Drop in gate x 2 (PS22400)• L post x 4 (PS23700)• 33” Swing back gate (PS21600)

• Yard holding capacity approximately 250 ewes with existing fence

• Versatile - for on-the-spot animal treatment

• Easily transported, quickly assembled and operated

• Utilise natural terrain and sunlight for better stock flow

• Maximizes farm management

Options:• 0.9m or 1.0m high gates available• Tool box

Basic Mobile Yard

• Includes: • Mobile unit with 3 way drafting gate, winch,

drawbar, gate support arms, straps and 13” wheels (PS01000UK)

• Single lane, two-section handling race• 7’ x 36” alloy gate x 10 (PS20500)• Diamond gate x 1 (PS22200)• 8’ x 33” Uniboard Panel x 2 (PS25600)• Drop in gate x 2 (PS22400)• Guillotine Gate (PS22600)

• Yard holding capacity approximately 100/120 ewes with lambs

• Versatile - for on-the-spot animal treatment• Easily transported, assembled and operated• Utilise natural terrain and sunlight for

better stock flow• Maximizes farm management


See pages 24-25 for case studies on our Complete Stock Management Solutions

12


Animal Handling Systems Animal Handling SystemsMobile Sheep Yards

10’ Mobile Super Yard v2

• Includes: • Mobile unit with 3 way drafting, geared

winch, strong drawbar, gate support arms, retaining straps and wheels (PS01100UK)

• Single lane, 16’ two-section handling race

• 5’ x 36” alloy gate x 40 (PS20200)• Diamond gate x 1 (PS22200)• Drop in gate x 2 (PS22400)• L post x 6 (PS23700)• 33” Swing back gate (PS21600)• • Yard holding capacity approximately

500 ewes with existing fence• 13” wheels for excellent towing ability and

ground clearance


13

10’ Mobile Yard Layout Option


Animal Handling SystemsMobile Sheep Yards

14’ Mobile Yard

Includes: • Mobile unit with 3 way drafting, geared

winch, strong drawbar, gate support arms, retaining straps, wheels and toolbox, electric brakes and mudguards (PS01400UKEB)

• Double lane, 24’ three-section handling race

• 7’ x 36” alloy gate x 52 (PS20500)• Diamond gate x 1 (PS22200)• L post x 10 (PS23700)• 33” Swing back gate (PS21600)


• 13” wheels for excellent towing ability and ground clearance


14

12’ Mobile Yard

Includes: • Mobile unit with 3 way drafting, geared winch,

strong drawbar, gate support arms, retaining straps and wheels (PS01200UK)

• Single lane, 24’ three-section handling race




Options: • 0.9m or 1.0m high gates available• Tool box


Animal Handling Systems Animal Handling SystemsMobile Sheep Yards

16’ Mobile Yard

Includes: • Mobile unit with drop-in gate,

drafting gate, jack, drawbar, gate support arms, retaining straps, wheels,toolbox, hydraulic lift jack operation, electric brakes and mudguards (PS01600UKEB)

• Double lane, 24’ three section handling race with 2 release gates





15

Includes: • 7’ Drafting Race (PS00700)• Tractor Unit (PS07100)• 7’ x 36” Gates x 10 (PS20500)• 3’6” x 36” Gates x 2 (PS20000)• L Post x 2 (PS23700)

• The standard yard can hold 150 ewes when utilising an existing structure allowing 2 or 3 way drafting.

• Add Drench Race components to suit• For Tractors

3 Point Linkage Sheep Yard

This system is ideal when you need a mobile system to travel along with a trailer, it will attach

to the the front linkage allowing the livestock trailer to be towed.


Animal Handling Systems

16

Mobile Sheep Yards

3 Basic Layouts using a Double Drench Race


Animal Handling Systems Animal Handling Systems

17

Mobile Sheep Yards

3 Basic Layouts using a Double Drench Race

Mobile Sheep Yard Components

3’6” x 36” Alloy Gate c/w pins (PS20000)5’ x 36” Alloy Gate c/w pins (PS20200)6’ x 36” Alloy Gate c/w pins (PS20400)7’ x 36” (Std size) Alloy Gate c/w pins (PS20500)

Diamond Gate(PS22200)

Back Stop (PS18000)

Guillotine Gate (PS22600)

Multi way Coupling (PS08100)

2-way Coupling (PS08200)

Long Pin 670mm (PF21202)

Short Pin 335mm (PF21203)

L Post (PS23700)Drop in gate (PS22400)

Anti backing Gate (PS22700)

13” Wheel c/w Tyre (PSP6607)

8” Wheel Hub Inc. Bearing & Seal

(PSP6612)Mudguards for 13” Wheels

Pair (PS12200)

Stud/ Nut for 8” Wheel (PSP6616)

Stud/ Nut for 13” Wheel (PSP6617)

39” gates are also available


Animal Handling SystemsMobile Sheep Yard Components

Gate Retainer A Frame (PS11400)

Gate Retaining Strap (PSP1301)

Safety Winch (Rope not included)

(PSP1201)

Safety Winch Nylon Rope 2.6m inc. Hook

(PSP1107)

Safety Winch Stand(winch not included)

(PS11600)

Suspension Chains - Pair(Inc spring and hook)

(PSP1103)

18

Weigh Crate Carrier

Allows you to easily transport the Prattley Manual Weigh Crate on the back of a Prattley Mobile Sheep Yard.

Prattley Tool Box

This handy Tool Box will fit onto the front of your mobile yard to hold your spare pins etc.

(PS03100)(PS02600)



19

• Fully adjustable to suit any size ewe, lamb or ram

• Sheep lie without struggling in a safe, secure position

• Adjustable work height = No bending for the operator

• Lightweight and easy to move• Full access around rear of the animal and

feet for inspection• Ideal to use in conjunction with Prattley

Mobile Yards or Handling race Manual (PS03100)

Sheep Handler

• Available in stationary or mobile• Lowers to operate at ground height• Includes 6.5hp Honda Hydraulic Power Pack• Variable speed with adjustable width

Specifications:• Total Length: 4.4m• Working Length: 2.3m• Width (at widest point): 1.64m• Foundation Base: 2.7m x 1.0m• Towing Length (mobile): 4.8m• Conveyor Belt: NVT-254 PVC Belt

• Diamond black 6.615 x 400mm• Hydraulic Pack 6.5hp Honda Motor

With Mobility (PS05200) Without Mobility (PS05250)

Sheep Conveyer – 3.3m



(PS04000)

3-Way Manual Draft Weigh Crate

• Enables up to 3-way drafting and weigh recording• Practical design keeps operator out of

sheep’s vision• One hand left free to monitor stock• Sliding gate moves easily and quietly maximising

sheep flow• Simple no-tool width adjustment from biggest

ram to smallest lamb• Flat plated feet for ease of use on a varied terrain

Left handed (PS03300L) Right handed - Shown (PS03300R)

Weigh Crates

ID3000 Weigh Head and loadbars not included, can be found on page 9

2-Way Electric DrafterThe Prattley Two Way Drafter is silently operated by electric motors powered by a 12v battery, and will operate on a fully charged battery for a full day.The design eliminates having to have left and right handed crates.The rear gates have vertical rollers which allow the gates to roll around the sheep as they close or allow the following sheep to pull back without getting caught.

DRAFTING OPTIONS Full Auto Drafting ModeIndicator is programmed for two way drafting.Sheep enter weigh crate, back gates automatically shut upon weight on platform of drafter, Indicator will then select which gate to open.Back gate opens automatically again for next sheep. While in this mode you can override the drafter at any time with the long range remote. Auto Drafting By RemoteIndicator is programmed for two way drafting.Open back gate with remote, shut back gate with remote once sheep has entered crate, indicator will then select which gate to open, use remote to open back gate again. While in this mode you can override the drafter at any time with the long range remote.

ID3000 Weigh Head and loadbars not included, can be found on page 9

20



• Quiet Pneumatic operation• Auto weigh/draft approx 600 sheep per

hour• Conventional drafting with Remote• EID compatible• Drafting by weight• Drafting by weight gain

• Drafting on EID tag database• Drafting by sight (remote manual drafting)• Selective weighing/drafting• Selective by passing of weighing cycle• Weigh-then-HOLD to allow inspection

before drafting• Remote override of indicators draft range

AutoDraftersThe Prattley AutoDrafter is a powerful tool allowing a single operator to control weighing and drafting of 600+ lambs an hour. The Prattley AutoDrafter coordinates with the external Tru-Test indicator and loadbars to produce a seamless package. The rear gates have vertical rollers which allow the gates to roll around sheep as they close and the following sheep to pull back without getting caught. The design eliminates the need to have left or right hand operation.

XR3000 Weigh Head and loadbars not included, can be found on page 9

3 Way (PS04150) with Mobility (PS04100UK)5 Way (PS04250) with Mobility (PS04200UK)

To see product demonstration videos please visit our

online video librarywww.ritchey.co.uk

Weigh Crates

21



Handling Race Components

For drenching, mouthing, dagging, ear tagging, selecting, foot treatment, etc.

• Lightweight, combining the strength of aluminium and durable UV stabilised Uniboard• One person can assemble race and drench sheep quickly and easily• Versatile combinations of single or double lane races, two, three sections long• Large or small flocks handled with equal ease• Easy to assemble and transport, fits inside

the Prattley Yard• Width 33” (0.85m) variable by pivoting

one side• Side release gates available to draft

sheep out• Available in 33”, 36” and 39” high panels

Uniboard Panels • c/w two pins each

4’ x 36” Panel (PS25400) c/w coupling (PS25400C)

8’ x 33” Panel (PS25600) c/w coupling (PS25600C)

8’ x 36” Panel (PS25700) 8’ x 39” Panel (PS25800)

Uniboard Panel

• 8” x 36” c/w Release Gate

Right handed (PS26300R)Left handed - shown (PS26300L)

Handling Race

22



Small Farm Handling System

Can be used in conjunction with Prattley Mobile Sheep Yard System or as a standalone unit anywhere on your farm.

• Use existing fence to extend pen areas• Drafting, drenching, dagging, tailing• Lightweight and portable, easy to errect,

disassemble and store

Includes: • 7’ x 36” Alloy gates x 6 (PS20500)• 8’ x 36” Ply panel & release gate x 1 (PS26300L)• 8’ x 33” Ply panel x 1 (PS25600)• U Post gal 18” x 2 (PS24500)• Drop in gate 18” alloy x 2 (PS22400)

Handling Race Components

Spreader - 33” W’ (PS23100)

Handling Race

Back Gate c/w Post 33” ‘W’ (PS28000) Back Gate c/w Post ‘U’

(PS27900)

Spreader - 33” ‘U’ (PS23000)

23



Includes:• Scissor Head Bail• Strong Galvanized Steel construction• Anti-Backing Ratchet system• Non-slip perforated floor• Stationary or Mobile

Options:• V Squeeze• Vet Gates• Split Gates• 3-way Draft Handle• Full side release gates• Mobility Systems

Cattle Manager

Cattle Equipment

24



• Alloy fabrication for lightweight handling and strength

• Durable• Unit packs flat, easy storage• Quick and easy to assemble• Head bail/loading ramp can be added• Components also sold individually allow-

ing for customised layouts

Small Farm Cattle Yards

25



26

Standard Gate

• 2.7m wide x 1.6m High• Approx.25kg

(PC15000)

Diamond Gate

Right handed - shown (PC15100R)Left handed (PC15100L)

Drafting Gate

Right handed (PC16000R)Left handed - shown (PC16000L)

Swinging Race Gate

• c/w spreader

Right handed (PC15200R)Left handedPC15200L)

Sliding Race Gate

• c/w spreader

(PC15300)

Spreader

• 30” Alloy Spreader

(PC15400)

Alloy 2 Way Coupling

(PC15700)


(PC15800)


(PC16100)

Personnel Gate

• c/w spreader

(PC15500)

Cattle Yard Components



27

Cattle Yard ComponentsCattle Platform

• Lightweight Alloy• Non-slip perforated floor

DIMENSIONS:Width: 1000mmLength: 2.4mHeight: 332mm

(PC11100)

Alpaca Gates

• Lightweight alloy construction• Sold individually allowing for custom set ups• Ideal for shows• Can hook onto floats/ transporters• Dependable and durable• Easy to store• 7’ x 48”

(PS20700)


Case StudiesMatthew Blyth of Didling Farm in West Sussex knows firsthand how using technology has driven his business forward. One of the first farmers to really embrace EID he has proved that collecting and using data can improve decision-making and profitability.

“About seven years ago we started with EID tags and a stick reader and used them alongside some spring balance scales and a Tru-Test XR3000 weigh head” says Matt.

“Very soon we realised the huge potential of this technology and invested in a Prattley 3-way auto-drafter with an EID crate and some new Tru-Test load bars”. The new system meant that as sheep entered the crate their EID tags were read and their weight recorded. Using criteria already preset into the XR3000 the sheep could then be drafted automatically by Matt using a remote control.

“We built the system up a bit like Lego, but then we realised that we needed an additional gate as there were always a group of sheep or lambs that we needed to separate for some reason, either because their tags wouldn’t read or they had a problem that we needed to treat. We upgraded to a 5-way autodrafter and now find that we use all five gates every time.”

The reason such investment could be justified was due to some immediate cost-savings in time and external costs. “This year at weaning we separated 1400 ewes from their lambs and batched them into four groups: ewe lambs, lambs 35kg plus, 30-35kg and under 35kg. That’s a big job on any farm, but having the right equipment meant that I did it in less than 10 hours with just me and the dog.”

Matt has two adjoining farms totalling 1200 acres in total with only one permanent under-shepherd, but the system is completely mobile and packs away along with 20 hurdles that can be towed on the back of the quad or pick up. Because it is so compact and lightweight it’s much easier to handle the flock and Matt find that they are now weighing every two weeks throughout the grazing season.

“By monitoring their progress regularly, we prevent over-fattening lambs and can send batches to the abattoir more frequently and that helps cash flow. Using the data we get back from the abattoir through the EID tags we have worked out that the killing out percentages on our farm differ from some of the national averages allowing us to calculate our profitability more accurately. We have also learned that the deadweight differs with certain breeds of terminal sire

so we know that we can afford to send some lambs at a lower weight and still make the profit we need. This can be particularly beneficial in a drought year when grazing is running low.”

Matt believes that there are animal husbandry benefits to be had as well. “Almost immediately we started saving money on the drugs we used – by weighing accurately and dosing accordingly we found we were using less when drenching, it might be only 2ml less per sheep, but over the course of a year we were saving hundreds of pounds. Now that we have data going back several years we have a clear idea of the daily weight gain we expect on our farm and if lambs are putting on weight fine we won’t worm automatically. If some lambs aren’t performing we can do a fecal egg count and treat as necessary, so it allows us to follow SCOPS principles. We’ve also noticed that frequent handling means we pick up on other health problems such as fly-strike and lameness more quickly – and the data tells us that these kinds of underlying conditions really reduce finishing rates if not dealt with promptly.”

The long term benefits to having all this information is that Matt, and the consultants he employs to help, can analyse the past to plan for the future. “We’ve seen real benefits on the breeding side of things because we can see within one season whether a ram is doing his job or not. In the past we have experimented with various breeds of terminal sires for the bulk of the commercial flock, by looking at the information we got through EID we learned that the best results on our farm came from a local breed, the Southdown.”

“My boss wouldn’t have written the cheque for this equipment if he couldn’t see that it would benefit our bottom line right from the start, but it’s when you have a few years of data that you can begin to see the potential to take your business forward. The figures don’t lie, so for longer-term planning like grass management and breeding programmes it’s invaluable.”

28


Case Studies Case StudiesRobert Neill farms with his wife Jac, at Upper Nisbet, near Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders. They have a beef herd of around 300 Limousin-cross and have found that weighing their cattle at weaning and finishing keeps the business productive.

Weaning weights are a vital indicator of the success of the Upper Nisbet breeding programme and Robert believes that accurate weighing early in an animal’s life can indicate future performance. “Straightaway we can look at the milk productivity of the dam and know which bulls are performing best. When we’re vaccinating and worming at this point, we also save money and ensure the best results by knowing their weight – there’s no guesswork involved.”

Cattle go onto their finishing ration for the last 90-120 days, at which point Robert weighs more regularly, “By weighing every 30 days, we get essential information about their daily liveweight gain and we know when they hit the target weight for our customers and our profitability. Our cattle mostly go to local butchers and because we have an accurate off-farm weight it’s easy to calculate our killing out percentages”.

Robert started weighing his cattle regularly 15 years ago, when he purchased some Tru-Test Heavy Duty Load Bars and then later upgraded to a Tru-Test XR3000 indicator. “When I first got the XR3000, I just played around with the settings in the evening sat in front of the TV and I soon got the hang of it. Although it was quite daunting at first, it’s actually fairly straightforward, even downloading the information into my FarmPlan software is easy.

Since then, he’s introduced electronic tagging, first using an electronic wand and later incorporating a panel reader into a new crush. “The system we have now is quick and efficient, we have one man on the crush and one on the race. The indicator is set up to register the information automatically and as we don’t have to write anything down, there are no mistakes. And it’s safer, too - the more automated the system, the less stress for the animal and the handlers.”

You can view our product demonstration videos by visiting our online video library

www.ritchey.co.uk

Straightaway we can look at the milk productivity of the dam and know which bulls are performing best

“”

The system we have now is quick and efficient“

”

29


We offer in-house Service and Repair on the following:

• Tru-Test Electronic Weighing Equipment• Clippers (Oster/Andis/Hauptner/Premier and many more)• Dehorners• PEL Electric Fence Energizers• Pulsar Coaxers• Prattley Animal Handling Equipment

We also offer a repair service on Serra Emasculators. Turnaround timescales can vary, however you will be notified on enquiry.

Sharpening ServiceWe sharpen a wide range of clipper blades, scissors and needle holders to the highest standard. We also re-align blades and scissors.

Customer ServiceOur efficient Sharpening & Repair Department is highly experienced in this field and use their expertise and knowledge to advise our customers. We aim to:• sharpen and despatch blades and scissors within 1 day of receipt• obtain estimates and notify our customer within 2 days of receipt, and if go

ahead is given goods will be repaired and despatched within 2 days.

Tel: 01765 680847 Fax: 01765 689851 Email: [email protected]

Service & Repair

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Service & Repair Contacts

Wales & Surrounding CountiesAllan Stroud M: 07831 421772 E: [email protected]

ScotlandTim Waistell M: 07711 210374 E: [email protected]

North of EnglandPaul HunterM: 07789 953721E: [email protected]

Paul CroftM: 07412 160349E: [email protected]

South West EnglandJohn GarthwaiteM: 07872 409194E: [email protected]

National Arthur Harrison PEL Electric FencingM: 07872 409193 E: [email protected]

Neil Pamplin Prattley Animal Management SystemsM: 07812 355382E: [email protected]

Customer Services 01765 680850 [email protected] Hammond Head of Customer Services 01765 680829 [email protected] McNairn North of England 01765 680833 [email protected] Sophie Ryder Scotland 01765 680838 [email protected] Amanda Brown South of England 01765 680834 [email protected] Ellie Stainthorp Wales 01765 680810 [email protected]

MidlandsRob StubbsM: 07831 421732E: [email protected]

East AngliaLiz SpellerM: 07401 054045E: [email protected]

Sean O’Toole Equine, Vet & PetM: 07724 380505E: [email protected]

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Fearby Road, Masham, Ripon North Yorkshire, HG4 4ES

Tel: 01765 689541 Fax: 01765 689851 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ritchey.co.uk

complete stock management solution

Devices & Hardware