Thursday September 29th. The AGTV Network finishes up our Equipment Highlight with a look at livestock trailer for your herd.

There was time when moving the herd meant a cattle drive in the true sense of the word. Cowboys, chuck wagons and the long hard dusty trail were trademarks of the traditional cattle drive. Today the cattle drive is very different. Semi tractor and trailers changed the cattle drive. The “drive” is more of a “haul”. When it comes to hauling here are some equipment choices.

We start with Merritt, a little bit different approach. Just click the link to the PDF.

merrittcat_cattleonly

 

Here is some additional information.

Merritt Standard Features & Benefits

 

 

So for your next cattle drive is it a Merritt or maybe a Wilson  or maybe an Elite. Just need a truck or semi tractor to do the pulling. The AGTV Network hopes you have enjoyed our look at cattle equipment during September 2011.

It is Tuesday September 27 and time for another edition of Equipment Highlight. Today we look at cattle feeders and waterers, have to keep the herd fed and watered.

 

All 3C Cattle Feeders:
-Are chain-driven
-Have a 6″auger
-Have a patented digital counter that measures within 2lbs for every 100lbs
-Are the width of a pickup bed and do not extend above the cab unless larger than 2,000lb capacity
-Have a 4″ sight hole for rear visibility
-Have a tough metal waterproof cover
-Feature a solid metal frame and feeder
-Contain heavy-duty wiring
-Have vibrators available for light, fluffy feed
-Must be greased every 50 hours of use for optimum performance

Click here to view a full table

 

 

 

All 3C Creep Feeders have a 2-ton capacity. One man can fill it and one man can set it up. Each 3C Creep Feeder has easy fold-up gates that lock in position, a removable tongue and a sliding lid. 3C Creep Feeders measure 8’2″ wide and 7’3″ tall with gates folded up.

 

 

300 lb. Capacity Trip Hopper Jr.

Go Bulk with Your Feeding and Save $$$

Paddleveyor attached to feeder for  filling Deer and Game Feeders

FEED BULK AND BE ABLE TO KNOW THE EXACT AMOUNT OF FEED YOU ARE FEEDINGFeed Cubes Any Size or Alfalfa Hay Cubes

Click on image for a larger version.

5ft. wide 6ft. long 7ft. high

Trailer Model is Completely Self-contained

The trailer model feeders hold 3000lbs. of 3/4 inch cubes. These feeders will feed in piles at 10 ft. intervals of in a steady trail of feed. You can set the feeder to dump from 1 to 8 lbs. per pile. These feeders are capable of handling cubes, any size, ground feed of any combination thereof.
The feeder is very accurate, so why guess at how much you feed.
The feeders are made of heavy gauge steel and have a 2 inch ball hitch with bulldog jack. They come equipped with 8 ply nylon 15 inch flotation tires.

 

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TAKE THE LABOR OUT OF YOUR FEEDING

AND

SAVE TIME      SAVE$$$$$

Click on image for a larger version.These truck model feeders may be mounted in the back of a pickup, or they can be mounted across a flatbed. All of these feeders work the same way. The trailer is powered by the small wheel being engaged against the ground wheel. The truck model feeder is powered by a 12 volt motor that runs off the truck battery. These are not starter motors. These 12 volt motors are Constant Duty and are C-Face bolted to an oil bath gear reducer. They run for power and not speed.
All wiring, switch and the complete counter assembly come with each feeder.
Click on the pictures below to see more information on the Trailer models,  Truck Models, Trip Hopper Jr. or the Deer and Game Feeding Equipment

 

If you are a round bale feeder then here is an option.alv

 

 

 

R5000 Round Bale Craddle

• Designed as horse feeders or cattle feeders
• Easy load design
• No tractor necessary to load round bale into the round bale feeder.
• Open top prevents horses from rubbing off mane
• Round bale feeder comes in 5 parts that bolt together
• Bale cradle is 36″ high, 73″ long, 52″ wide
• Square tubing on frame is 1″x1″ and the round inner bars are 1″ round

***This bale cradle is designed to hold round bales that are 4′ wide by 4′ 5′ or 6′ tall. It will not hold a 5′ wide bale!***120′ X 200′ Riding Arena w/ Utility Panel. This arena package includes delivery!

Delivered price available to most of the lower 48 states

PBF1010 Feeder

• Available in 5’ or 10’ lengths
• 10” deep for large feed capacity
• Rounded corners for better clean out
• UV stabilized to prevent sun damage
• Completely corrosion resistant
• One 1-5/8” brace on 5’ model
• Three 1-5/8” braces on 10’ model

BF112C Feeder

• Available in horse or cow heights
• Available in 4’, 8’, or 12’ lengths
• 16-gauge sheet steel construction
• Frame and skids: 1-5/8” round tubing
• Tops: 32” wide
• Bottoms: 28” wide
• Depth: 10”

 

Feedlot Waterers Our Products: Feedlot Waterers

Note: Some models also available in 19″ height. 220v available on all models. Add $35.00 to list price if brass valve is requested. Add $40.00 to model for Walters constant flow. Discounts may apply for multi-unit orders. Please call for a quote (800)325-2380.

Page 1 of 4  –  1 2 3 4  Show All

Model 75 Electric Model 75 Constant Flow Model 150 Electric Model 150 Constant Flow Model 250 Electric Model 250 Constant Flow  Model 400 Electric Model 400 Constant Flow Model 310 Electric

 

 

Cattle Waterers
New! 8’ All Purpose Poly Waterer – that won’t freeze up Item No. 40161 – With Lids Item No. 40160 – Without Lids (for inside use or mild temperatures) Floating Lids Save 80-90% on Heating Costs Capacity 300 beef cattle, 150 dairy cattle. Floating lids keep heat in during cold weather and keep water cooler in the summer. Lids float freely on stainless steel rods. Two heaters, one under each lid, keep the entire unit ice-free even in sub zero weather. Valve is easily accessible – no tools required. Drains at each end make waterer easy to clean. Twelve concrete mounting points hold the waterer solidly in place. Rib construction adds to it’s strength. Floating lids help retard algae growth, and prevent cattle from splashing water out of the unit – eliminating ice build-up and mud. Click to enlarge
AP-1 Waterer Item No. 40220 Width 25-1/4”, Height 23-1/2”, Length 27” Weight 60 lbs Capacity 0-30 head Patented floating lids save 85-90% on heating costs Floating lids help extend the life of the heater by 2 to 3 times over open waterer models Water stays cooler in the summer Heat is contained during cold winter months Special stops below floating lids make sure heater is always covered with water so valve line won’t freeze Lids help retard algae growth Outside drain makes it easy to clean waterer without getting hands wet Includes submersible heater and heat tape	Click to enlarge
AP-10 Waterer Item No. 40170 Width 24-3/4”, Height 27-1/2”, Length 40-1/2” Weight 100 lbs Capacity 80-100 head Patented floating lids save 85-90% on heating costs Floating lids help extend the life of the heater by 2 to 3 times over open waterer models Water stays cooler in the summer Heat is contained during cold winter months Special stops below floating lids make sure heater is always covered with water so valve line won’t freeze Lids help retard algae growth Outside drain makes it easy to clean waterer without getting hands wet Drain plug can be removed and water shut off on one side	Click to enlarge
E-20 Waterer Item No. 40705 1140 watts 37”W x 28”H x 37”L Weight 216 lbs Capacity 0-250 head Heavy-gauge steel construction Use in fence line or open lots Lids can be shut at night to save energy One side can be shut down Fast recovery valve Spray on insulation for better R-value Large access door for easy service Powder coat paint	Click to enlarge
EEPC-1 Energy Efficient Poly Waterer Item No. 40180 120 watts 19”W x 18-3/4”H x 24-1/4”L Weight 38 lbs Capacity 0-30 head Patented floating lids save 85-90% on heating costs Adjustable thermostat 3 ft. heat tape Spray on insulation for better R-value Access doors on side and top Side door is raised so debris can’t get in Trough area below floating lid ensures heater is always covered with water so heater will not burn out	Click to enlarge
EEPC-2 Energy Efficient Poly Waterer Item No. 40205 120 watts 21”W x 19”H x 33”L Weight 54 lbs Capacity 0-60 head Patented floating lids save 85-90% on heating costs Adjustable thermostat 3 ft. heat tape Spray on insulation for better R-value Access doors on side and top Side door is raised so debris can’t get in Trough area below floating lid ensures heater is always covered with water so heater will not burn out	Click to enlarge
EEPC-10 Energy Efficient Poly Waterer Item No. 39900 200 watts 25”W x 31-3/4”H x 31-1/2”L Weight 87 lbs Capacity 0-80 head Patented floating lids save 85-90% on heating costs Adjustable thermostat 3 ft. heat tape Spray on insulation for better R-value Access doors on side and top Side door is raised so debris can’t get in Trough area below floating lid ensures heater is always covered with water so heater will not burn out	Click to enlarge
F-1 Waterer Item No. 40855 285 watts 11-1/2”W x 18-1/2”H x 25-3/4”L Weight 65 lbs Capacity 0-30 head Low, compact general utility waterer Fast automatic water recovery Use in fence line, box stalls or lots Lids can be closed at night to save energy Spray on insulation for better R-value Powder coat paint	Click to enlarge
F-5 Waterer Item No. 40630 570 watts 17”W x 26”H x 28”L Weight 111 lbs Capacity 0-50 head Low, compact general utility waterer Fast automatic water recovery Use in fence line, box stalls or lots Lids can be closed at night to save energy Spray on insulation for better R-value Powder coat paint	Click to enlarge
F-8 Waterer Item No. 40655 1140 watts 19-1/2”W x 16”H x 72”L Weight 176 lbs Capacity 250 head Designed for large commercial feedlots/dairies Install in fence line or open lots Recessed drain provides flushing action for automatic cleaning Heavy-duty construction Spray on insulation for better R-value Powder coat paint	Click to enlarge
F-10 Waterer Item No. 40680 570 watts 19-1/2”W x 28”H x 37”L Weight 156 lbs Capacity 125 head Heavy-gauge steel construction Use in fence line or open lots One side can be shut down Fast recovery valve Large access door for easy service Lids can be shut at night to save energy Spray on insulation for better R-value Powder coat paint	Click to enlarge
F-48 Item No. 40730 855 watts 19-1/2”W x 16”H x 49”L Weight 128 lbs Capacity 100 head Designed for large commercial feedlots Install in fence line or open lots Recessed drain provides flushing action for automatic cleaning Heavy-duty construction Spray on insulation for better R-value Powder coat paint	Click to enlarge
F-52 Item no. 40805 855 watts 17”W x 26”H x 28”L Weight 160 lbs Capacity 50 cattle/100 hogs Popular size model for medium size cattle/hog operation Big valve provides fast recovery in cattle trough Heavy-duty construction Large access door Lids can be closed at night to save energy Spray on insulation for better R-value Powder coat paint	Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
F-100 Item No. 40755 1140 watts 19-1/2”W x 16-1/4”H x 108”L Weight 219 lbs Capacity 450 head Franklin’s largest waterer Designed for large commercial feedlots/dairies Install in fence line or open lots Recessed drain provides flushing action for automatic cleaning Heavy-duty construction Spray on insulation for better R-value Powder coat paint

More choices are available, just takes some web surfing. Thursday is our last look at cattle equipment.

Welcome to the Thursday September 22 issue of Equipment Highlight, herd management software. Cattle herd management, day was when it was done all in your head. Then pencil and paper came along, then maybe a calculator. Ear information along with weight and other vital data was recorded in a notebook. Then computers came and the software. Today your laptop or tablet, smartphone, RFID system and scale all talk via bluetooth, my how technology can change an industry.

Some may say the change is for the best, better record keeping, compare this year’s herd to those of the past, etc, etc. Today software plays a serious role in the management of your cattle herd. Databases and spreadsheets keep all that information at your finger tips. So today The AGTV Network looks at software specific to cattle herd management.

 

Introduction to CattleWorks®

CattleWorks software is designed to provide the cow/calf producer a simple, but effective method of managing and maintaining herd and animal records. This information can be used to analyze overall herd and animal health, productivity, and profit potential. As with any software, the information and benefit derived is directly proportionate to the effort and accuracy in which information is entered into the program. In comparison to handwritten records the effort is much the same, however the results can be much more beneficial. The authors of CattleWorks are both experienced cattlemen as well as software developers. CattleWorks welcomes any suggestion and or comments you may have about the product. Please feel free to e-mail us at info@cattleworks.com.

CattleWorks Software Walkthroughs

There are four main sections to the program and each section performs various functions. All entry screens are simple “Windows” based for easy data entry.

 

Farm Setup: Configure general farm parameters here such as; Pasture Names, Breed Names, Medical Procedures and Financial Transactions. Click here for Farm Setup Walkthrough

 

Cattle Entry: This is the main section of the program. From this section you enter cattle into the program, move cattle into pastures, record cattle purchases and sales, record births and losses and log all types of medical events associated with each animal. Click here for a Cattle Entry Walkthrough

Cow/Calf Reports and General Reports: These two sections generate various reports that provide information such as; herd inventory, pasture inventory, details on each animal, weaning reports, calf production, cow performance, medical reports, and other reports necessary to better manage your herd. Click here for a Reporting Walkthrough

Understanding CattleWorks

As the user enters herd data into the CattleWorks program this data is stored in an internal “database”. This data is then available for viewing, editing or generating reports. Every animal that is entered into CattleWorks gets assigned a unique Id # by CattleWorks. This Id # is automatically generated and will never be the same for any two animals. This is important as the amount of data increases in CattleWorks over time. This Id # provides a means to positively identify an animal as other parameters about an animal may be duplicated over time (for example tag #’s will probably be duplicated over a length of time). All of the Reports that are generated by CattleWorks contain this Id # for each animal to make it easier to identify an animal.

As animals are physically removed from the herd, either by death or by sales, they are not removed from the CattleWorks database; they are marked as either, “Sold” or “Died”. Animals that are currently in your herd are marked as “Active”. This process is done automatically by CattleWorks depending upon the users input. The purpose of this is to maintain all information within the database for reporting purposes. (For example you may want to run a report on all animals that were sold last year and compare this to animals sold this year). By always keeping animal records in the database, CattleWorks is able to provide valuable reporting information for better management of the cattle herd. There is no need to worry about filling the database with “old” cattle information; the CattleWorks program is virtually unlimited on the number of animals that can be entered. However, in the event that a user does want to actually delete an animal from the database we have provided this option. In the Edit/View Cattle section there is an option to Delete, this action will permanently delete an animal from the database. (This possibly would be used in the event of a mistaken entry for example).

 

 

 

Tuesday September 20th. The AGTV Network Equipment Highlight continues. Identifying your cattle used to be via brand, ear tags followed, today new high tech versions are available. Welcome to the RFID tag. Here is quick tutorial.

 

 

RFID Tags For Cattle EIDAP RFID ear tags for cattle consist of 2 parts: A mushroom shaped universal stud with a transponder embedded in tough nylon and a tamper-evident button shaped to fit deep in the ear between the ribs. The EIDAP RFID stud is mushroom shaped to fit the contour of the back of the calf’s ear. Made of nylon, the RFID stud is resistant to stretching, tearing, and cutting. The mushroom shape helps resist snagging by strings, feeders, and fencing. The RFID stud and tamper-evident button can be applied using a number of standard tagging pliers, using a special pin that will be provided with each bag of eartags. What are RFID tags? RFID tags are ear tags for cattle that carry a passive radio transmitter with a unique 15 digit number embedded in the microchip. When a scanning device activates the microchip, the transponder in the RFID tag transmits the embedded number back to the scanning device. Each tag has a unique 15 digit number.   Are your RFID tags full or half duplex? The Trovan transponders in the RFID stud are full duplex (FDX). The transponders meet all ISO standards for animal identification. What is the difference between full and half duplex? When scanned, full duplex (FDX) transponders will communicate continuously with the scanning device. They simultaneously receive and transmit information to and from the scanner. A half duplex (HDX) transponder receives a signal from the scanning device and alternates transmitting and receiving at a very high rate of speed. Is there an advantage to FDX vs. HDX? Advocates of the HDX technology contend HDX technology has a longer read range. In our experience there is no read range advantage for the HDX technology. In addition HDX transponder performance is greatly impaired by interference from stray radio frequency (RF) waves. Full duplex transponders are much more immune to performance degradation from RF interference. RF interference sources are very common in modern cattle facilities from steel in the structures, electric motors and even some lighting fixtures.

To get more specific check out these tags.

Y-TEX USDA 840 Button Tags Y-TEX RFID button tags….Click on image to view product details and ordering information.

More info ►

Destron Fearing USDA 840 eTagDestron Fearing USDA 840 eTags…Click on image to view product details and ordering information.

More info ►

Destron Fearing USDA 840 Combo eTag Destron USDA 840 Combo eTag – blank below the 15-digit assigned number…Click on image to view product details and ordering information.

More info ►

Destron Fearing USDA 840 FDX Choice SetsDestron Fearing USDA 840 Choice Sets in Extra Large blank below the 15-digit assigned number…Click on image to view product details and ordering information.

More info ►

Allflex USDA 840 HDX EID Button Tags Allflex USDA 840 EID HDX High Performance button tags….Click on image to view details and ordering options.

More info ►

Allflex USDA 840 FDX EID Button Tags Allflex USDA 840 FDX EID button tags….Click on image to view product details and ordering information.

More info ►

Allflex All in One USDA 840 HDX EID tags.The Allflex All in One USDA 840 HDX EID tags provide visual identification with electronic ID in one tag. Available in Maxi size only – approximately 4 1/8″H x 3″W…Click on image to view product details and ordering information.

More info ►

Allflex All in One USDA 840 FDX EID tagsThe Allflex All in One USDA 840 FDX EID tags provide visual identification with electronic ID in one tag. Available in Maxi size only – approximately 4 1/8″H x 3″W…Click on image to view product details and ordering information.

More info ►

Allflex EID USDA 840 Matched Sets HDXMaxi matched set, blank below 15-digit number. Allflex offers USDA 840 EID tags in matched sets consisting of a mixture of EID buttons and visual tags….Click on image to view details and ordering options. HDX tag sets.

More info ►

Allflex EID USDA 840 Matched Sets FDX Maxi sets. Allflex offers USDA 840 EID tags in matched sets consisting of a mixture of EID buttons and visual tags….Click on image to view details and ordering options. FDX tag sets.

More info ►

Allflex Visual USDA 840 Tags w/Male Buttons Allflex Maxi Female w/button blank below 15-digit number. USDA approved 840 visual tags from Allflex come in several sizes and colors… Click on image to view more details and pricing.

More info ►

Allflex Visual USDA 840 Tags w/Large Male Maxi Female w/Large Male blank. Allflex offers the Global Maxi Female or Global Large Female with Large Male in the USDA approved 840 visual tags… Click on image for details and ordering information.

More info ►

Y-TEX USDA 840 Visual Identification Tags (COOL) Now available from Y-TEX – the Y-TEX USDA 840 Visual Identification Tag – COOL compliant…Click on image to view product details.

More info ►

As you can see traditional ear tags with modern technology. Now having the entire herd tagged is great but what about “reading” those high tech tags. You need a reader.

 

Pocket Reader from Destron Fearing Pocket Reader EX. The Destron Fearing Pocket Reader series offers two durable and versatile radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader models that are ideal for low-volume manual scanning operations…Click on image to view product details and ordering information.

More info ►

Destron Universal Livestock Reader DTR 4 Destron DTR 4. The Bluetooth Wireless Reader is an ISO 11785 compliant, low cost and rugged portable reader-Now also available with Memory and bright LCD screen…Click on image to view product details.

More info ►

Destron Axiz SB-1 Reader and Antennas The Destron Axiz SB-1 Reader incorporates features unlike any other RFID reader on the market today.

More info ►

Allflex Portable Readers/Scanners New Allflex RS340HD Blue Stick Reader. The RS320 Series Yellow Stick Reader works best for those who desire a portable reader when capturing livestock data from tags. The Allflex RS250 Series Stick Reader is a simple to use,low cost and extremely rugged reader with both FDX and HDX technologies. The Allflex Compact Reader allows the user to verify a tag number. Click on image for product details.

More info ►

Y-TEX 379 Bluetooth RFID Reader The Y-TEX 379 Bluetooth RFID wireless handheld reader, used globally, is the most advanced and affordable ISO livestock hand held wand reader….Click on image to view product details.

More info ►

Some more choices for “reading” those chips.

Pocket Reader

 

Antenna/Readers These read the number and provide the number via RS-232 for input into a computer, scale head, etc. Pocket Reader EX – HS 7102 BL 23   This unit can read up to 511 numbers for downloading later. Acable is available to plug this unit into a Computer, PDA, Scale head etc for portable data collection. Paddle Reader – LS RD01-ISO KC Bluetooth Paddle Reader – DTR1-4

Antennas These are antennas only and must be used with the FS2001-ISO Reader. Systems may need factory installation – contact us for more details. Handheld Antenna – AN 4600 Paddle Antenna – AN 4620 Small Industrial Antenna – AN 4110 Large Industrial Antenna – AN 4241 Chute Antenna – AN 4211

Reader FS2001-ISO Reader –   This unit can be used with any of the antennas above FS2001-ISO Reader System – AN 4950

Regardless of the choice of tag or reader these high tech tools prove invaluable to cattle herd management. Thursday The AGTV Network will look at how scale data, RFID data work with yet another tool.

We continue our look at cattle equipment for September. So far we have looked at a variety of items, chutes, gates, corrals among others. Today we look at small piece of equipment but very important to the cattle industry, ear tags. These small colored and numbered tags prove invaluable when it comes to sorting and identification.

 

There are numerous items when choosing the tag. Simply color, numbers, on both sides, shape, is your logo part of your tag or is blank your style.

• 
  Large Blank in bags of 25
  
  
• 
  Medium Blank in bags of 25
  
  
• 
  Super Maxi Blank in bags of 25
  
  
• 
  Tamperproof Large Tags Blank in bags of 25
  
  
• 
  Tamperproof Maxi Tags Blank in bags of 25
  Maybe you need numbers and text on front, there are color and shape choices as well.
  • 
    Large Layout 2 Management code and line of text on front
    
    
  • 
    Maxi Layout 4 Management code and 2 lines of text on front
    
    
  • 
    Medium Layout 3 Management code and text line on front
    
    
  • 
    Super Maxi Layout 2 Management code and line of text
    
    
  • 
    Super Maxi Layout 3 Management code with 2 lines of text
    But lets say you need front, back, shape, color and text, well you are covered. Oh did we mention your logo as well.
    • 
      Large Layout 1R Management code on front and back
      
      
    • 
      Large Layout 2R Management code on front and back with line of text on front
    • 
      Large Layout 5 Logo only on front and back
      
      
    • 
      Large Layout 6 Management code on front with logo on back
      
      
    • 
      Maxi Layout 10 Logo and line of text on front and back
      
      
    • 
      Maxi Layout 14 Management code on front with logo and line of text on back
      
      
    • 
      Maxi Layout 1R Managment code on front and back
      $0.95
      Choose Options
    • 
      Maxi Layout 2R Management code on front and back
      
      
    • 
      Super Maxi Layout 10 Logo and text on front and back of tag
      
      
    • 
      Super Maxi Layout 13 Management code on front with 4 lines of text on back
      
      
    • 
      Super Maxi Layout 15 Management code on front with logo on back
      
      
    • 
      Super Maxi Layout 1R Management code on front and back of tag
      $1.01
      Choose Options
    • 
      Super Maxi Layout 2R Management code on front and back with text line on front
      
      
    • 
      Super Maxi Layout 8 with 4 lines of text on front and back
      Now these are the traditional forms of “tagging” your herd. Tuesday The AGTV Network will check out the more modern version of cattle identification.