How to build a Cattle Yard

So, you need to build a cattle yard. Where do you begin? Well, every cattle yard will be a little different depending on the location, size of your herd and the climate and weather conditions in your part of New Zealand.

However, there are fundamentals that apply to every cattle yard, and these promote more efficient handling, safety for workers and higher welfare standards for the animals with less stress. Let’s look at the most important points you need to consider when planning how to build a cattle yard.

Site selection

Ideally, the site for your cattle yard should be flat. You’ll want to avoid choosing a site with dips and rises, as cattle don’t perceive ground level well while moving. You’ll also want a site with good drainage, which promotes better footing for both workers and animals.

Build with steel

While timber has traditionally been the construction material of choice for farmers building cattle yards, building with steel is a better choice for longevity, performance and safety. Hot-dipped galvanised steel yards are robust and won’t deteriorate like timber over time. They’re also easier to reconfigure if your needs change.

It’s worthy to note that not all steel components are built equal. Cheaply constructed parts can be noisy and more susceptible to damage and rust. Crashing and banging noises agitate cattle, which is why it’s worth investing in well-made components with noise-reducing features. You’ll create a better environment for all.

Build to your herd size

We all like to save money in business, but building a cattle yard that’s too small for your herd will cost you money in the long run. Cattle need room to move through the yard. If the yard is too small, you’ll decrease efficiency and agitate cattle, which is a safety risk for workers and animals.

Build to promote good flow

For once, our advice here is to cut corners. Smooth movement through the yard requires curves, and corners only slow the operation down. If you have ever seen a cattle yard with corners in operation, you’ll know they’re an impediment to good flow as cattle move to corners and huddle, like they often do with farm fences. The same is true of the race, which should be curved, not straight. This is more in keeping with natural behaviour.

Allow a space for workers

Workers need a safe zone to store gear and prepare for work. If you have this area away from the yard, it increases the time required to process the animals through the yard, which is a loss of efficiency. Plus, it makes it easier for workers to make better decisions about managing the herd.

Allow sufficient space for workers

Your workers need space and good footing to get the job done efficiently and safely. Make sure you build wider walkways to allow space for more than one handler when dealing with an animal. This also promotes faster handling and better flow.

Ask for advice if you need it

If you need help designing and building a yard for your herd, we’re here to help and can provide you with ideas and options to add efficiency, safety and better animal welfare to your new yard.

Check out our cattle yards for ideas and inspiration, or contact us.