Agricultural News
What About a Bud Box for Your Cattle Handling Pen- Justin Waggoner Explains It's Value
Mon, 01 Dec 2014 06:01:59 CST
Beef Systems Specialist Justin Waggoner with Kansas State University believes that the cash flow many cattle producers have in 2014 give them an opportunity to do a "makeover" of their cattle handling and loading facilities. Waggoner says that building or improving existing cattle handling facilities is a substantial investment for any cattle operation. However, this is an investment that can make a number of routine tasks easier, more efficient and safer. In many cases, facility improvements must be made within the confines of an existing location or set of pens. Very rarely, do we get the opportunity to build a new site and "build it right the first time".
Waggoner believes that an important question to ask yourself is "what doesn't work well or at all in your current facilities?". In some cases, a very simple change such as adding an additional gate or turning it around, so it hinges on the other side of the alley can make a tremendous difference. As many producers consider expanding their current operations, or consider entering a different segment of the industry, such as a backgrounding or stocker enterprise, a second question arises, "Will my current facilities meet the needs of the operation in the future?" Planning a working facility that has the ability to expand re- quires additional and careful consideration.
A common misconception is that well designed working facilities have to be complex and consist of circular tubs and arcing alleyways. Producers should be aware that simple facilities can be just as effective as complex facilities. One type of simple working facility that is gaining popularity among cattle producers is a "Bud box". A "Bud box" is essentially a rectangular pen in which the alleyway leading to the chute is placed at a right angle at the point of entry into the box.
The Bud box concept has been written about by beef cattle specialists at Texas Agrilife (Ron Gill and Rick Machen)- and you can learn more by downloading this fact sheet on Designing a Bud box.
Waggoner is our guest on today's Beef Buzz- and he discusses the value to cattlemen and cattle ladies of at least thinking about improving their cattle handling facilities.
The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Network- but is also a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR below for today's show- and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.
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