Feed Lot

APR 2013

Feedlots and cow/calf operations in the beef industry who feed 500 or more has annually on grains and concentrates; maintain 500 or more beef cows; backgrounder, stocker/grower, preconditioner; veterinarian, nutritionist, consultant

Issue link: http://feedlotmagazine.epubxp.com/i/119569

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FEEDLOT FOCUS BY TERRI QUECK-MATZIE ���������������������������� �������������������������������� ���������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���� andling livestock is a dangerous occupation, and every feedlot manager knows injuries can cost money ��� in lost time, in rising healthcare costs, and in worker���s compensation claims. Joe Thramer at Niewohner Feedyard in Spalding, Nebraska, has turned to a creative solution to the problem. He designed a cattle-handling system that uses hydraulic gates to move cattle, rather than the more traditional ���hands-on��� method. ���We haven���t had an injury there since we built the new system,��� says Thramer. Niewohner���s employees handle 30,000-40,000 head of cattle each year. ���If someone was going to get hurt, it was there,��� says Thramer of the old way of doing things. ���Someone 6 FEED���LOT April/May 2013 Above: A view from the crow���s nest that houses all the master controls of Niewohner Feedyard shows the indoor working facility, complete with two chutes, two alleyways and two tubs. The feedyard uses one side for doctoring and revaccinating cattle and the other side for branding. Garage doors in front of each chute are opened or closed remotely, depending on which side of the facility is in use. The offset tubs allow for plenty of room for two working facilities inside the building. Below: One person can sit in the crows nest and control 13 gates and all of the garage doors.

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