Teemore Engineering at the heart of investment programme on Lisburn beef unit

Brothers Jonathan and Kyle Price finish 400 cattle on their family farm, which is located on the western edge of Lisburn.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Nov 2016, 08:54 BST
Updated 22nd Nov 2016, 11:21 BST
Jonathan Price (right) and Teemore Engineering's Adrian Bates inspecting the most recently fitted EasyFix slat rubber on the farmJonathan Price (right) and Teemore Engineering's Adrian Bates inspecting the most recently fitted EasyFix slat rubber on the farm
Jonathan Price (right) and Teemore Engineering's Adrian Bates inspecting the most recently fitted EasyFix slat rubber on the farm

“We buy in quality Limousin and Charolais bullocks at around 500 kilos and take them through to slaughter weight over a period of six months,” Jonathan explained.

“Some of the cattle see grass but most are finished out of the house on a TMR containing grass silage, home grown barley and a proprietary blend.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Because the brothers are working the year-round with heavy cattle, they have two key management requirements: the availability of excellent handling facilities and the provision of optimal comfort for the cattle while they are housed.

Jonathan Price (left) with Teemore Engineering's Adrian Bates in the circular collection pen, which is included in the new handling facility on the farmJonathan Price (left) with Teemore Engineering's Adrian Bates in the circular collection pen, which is included in the new handling facility on the farm
Jonathan Price (left) with Teemore Engineering's Adrian Bates in the circular collection pen, which is included in the new handling facility on the farm

The past months have seen the brothers install a new, bespoke handling facility at the main yard of the farm.

“We have also laid 350 square metres of Easyfix slat rubber on the most recently completed shed on the farm. All of the work was carried out by Teemore Engineering,” said Jonathan

Teemore’s Adrian Bates was a recent visitor to the Price farm. He confirmed that the new cattle handling facility was both designed and manufactured by the company.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It features a circular collecting pen that will hold up to 30 mature cattle with ease. Also featured is a forcing gate with a unique one way operational mode when working with cattle. The gate cannot be pushed back by the cattle. This is a key safety feature.

Jonathan Price (left) with Teemore Engineering's Adrian Bates in the circular collection pen, which is included in the new handling facility on the farmJonathan Price (left) with Teemore Engineering's Adrian Bates in the circular collection pen, which is included in the new handling facility on the farm
Jonathan Price (left) with Teemore Engineering's Adrian Bates in the circular collection pen, which is included in the new handling facility on the farm

“In fact the entire system was designed with the health and safety of both cattle and operator in mind. High quality plastic stock board was used throughout, so as to encourage the cattle to move forward and to reduce the noise that would be normally be associated with animals hitting against metal posts and frames.

“The cattle leave the circular pen and walk up a straight race. It features exit gates within every section. This allows the operator easy access to an animal that might have gone down.”

Jonathan confirmed that the new system is performing well:“We work regularly with the cattle. On arrival, they are clipped, wormed, fluked and weighed. The weighing is facilitated courtesy of a new crush and weighbridge, which is located at the bottom end of the recently installed handling facility.”

For further information, contact Teemore Engineering on: (028) 6774 8377

Related topics:Lisburn