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.
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