Considerations When Erecting Pens And Camps

Livestock farmers don’t have the luxury of wasting time.

- Koos du Pisanie

Each farming activity is a piece in the production puzzle and must be planned in a way that allows for a reduced workload and simplified on-farm processes. Most successful producers commit to precision farming, making every farming activity easy, economical, and efficient.

The construction of holding pens on a livestock farm is one of the activities that requires care and precision. On many farms, the handling pens have been there for decades, but experts believe that even small changes can lead to the construction of a holding pen that both simplifies and speeds up the work.

Important considerations

According to Corné Serfontein of Agritech Steelworks, producers are very cost-aware and therefore usually erect pens based on a budget. To ensure that the pens are constructed correctly from the outset, excellent planning is non-negotiable. Experience has taught him that the flagpole design is the most cost effective.

Carin Nortjé of Algar Ind CC is a master pen builder and says producers nowadays attempt to minimise the stress animals are exposed to and eliminate the risk of injury. In her experience, producers are increasingly making use of clamps and crates, which help to keep the animals stationary while working with them. She explains that producers often follow a holistic route and that handling pens form part of this approach.