Life can be unpredictable, especially when you live on a ranch. Whether it’s dealing with a sick or injured animal, or dealing with unpredictable weather, you must make many decisions on the fly. When it comes to your equipment, decisions should be well thought out and informed. Whether you are investing in a portable cattle corral, a hay bale feeder, or some other cattle equipment, it should be safe and efficient for you, your livestock, and your operation because, at the end of the day, it’s your livelihood.
Summer months are approaching, which means ranchers are preparing to put cattle out to pasture. Just because the cattle are out, doesn’t mean the chances of sickness or injury will go away. Those quick decisions will still need to be made, and you’ll often need to react or respond on the fly, which is why it’s time to think about a portable cattle corral. That way, no matter where your cattle are, you can gather, treat, and process them as needed. There are many options on the market, which is why it’s important to keep these key features in mind when considering your options.
Durability for generations
When looking for a portable corral, the number one thing to consider is the build of the equipment. Some cattle can be a little rowdier, so you want equipment that is built tough. Looking for portable corrals that are made with high-quality, durable steel is important. This will make sure that your equipment will last on your ranch for years to come. When purchasing your equipment, you should also keep in mind the company’s warranty policy so you’re not left hanging in case something happens.
Construction of the equipment also means looking for a portable cattle corral that is designed with your needs in mind. If you need to treat sick cattle, you’ll want a cattle chute to go with your corral. It’s important to find a portable corral that can accommodate an added chute by including a hitch at the back. This will allow you to tow your chute, giving you a complete system to handle your herd efficiently.
The importance of size
Every rancher’s herd is different. Whether you have 20 or 500 head of cattle, you can still benefit from a portable corral as they are convenient and efficient for working your cattle anywhere. When looking to purchase a portable cattle corral, you want to make sure the size of your corral will have enough space for your livestock to move around comfortably and safely. If your space is too small, cattle can easily overheat, become stressed, or injure themselves. On the contrary, if your space is too large, cattle can easily gain speed if they become excited, which increases the risk of injury and can make trying to guide them difficult.
A properly designed corral will make moving, sorting, and loading your cattle easier, safer, and more efficient for all involved. If you need extra space for your corral, you can always look for cattle corral panels and gates that will allow you to make additional pens, giving you more room to work cattle and reduce the risk of injury.
Optimizing cattle flow
The way cattle are worked will vary depending on the handler. If your primary focus when using a portable corral is for loading cattle, then maybe you want to consider a corral that has a loading chute attached. If your primary use for a portable corral will be working cattle, you may look to consider a corral that has the option to tow a chute with it. No matter the reason you need a portable cattle corral, you will also want to consider how the corral is designed and the features that come along with it.
When your cattle are out to pasture and one gets injured, you’ll want to go out and help it as quickly as possible. That is why, when searching for a portable cattle corral, you want to consider the setup. Finding a corral that is simple, quick, and easy to transport and set up will help you gather the herd and reach the animal quicker to save time.
Finding a corral that allows for proper cattle flow will help when the time comes that you need to handle your herd. Corrals with circular pens that lead cattle right into the alley are ideal as these designs work hand in hand with animal science by working with cattle’s natural instinct to move in a circular motion.
Long-term partnerships
Though weighing the options of equipment is important, looking at the company behind the equipment is also key. When you purchase equipment that is built to last for years, it means you will be working with the company for just as long, which is why it is crucial to work with a company that is going to be there for you no matter what. Make sure to check the company’s warranty — what does it cover and how long does it last? Consider what customer service is like, do they offer things such as 24/7 Client Care or a promise to have your parts shipped within 24 hours? Does the company stand behind its products?
Investing in a portable cattle corral is a big decision, but it will provide you and your ranch with a reliable and efficient way to handle your livestock safely. Considering the build, design, and company behind the product, you can be sure to find a portable corral that will meet your needs and help you handle your herd with confidence. So why wait? Start exploring your options today and find the perfect portable corral for your ranching needs.
This article was published on behalf of Arrowquip.
