THE EVOLUTION OF THE MODERN SHEEP YARD Tom Austin, Senior Designer Sheep Technology & Innovation Day | Tuesday 25th September 2018
WHY IS SHEEPWORK SUCH A CHORE? Can’t climb Poor flow of fences livestock Sheep are Weather and escape artists yard conditions
WHY IS SHEEPWORK SUCH A CHORE? Can’t fill the Sheep won’t working race draft There must be a better Labour way…! inefficiencies
WHAT HAS DRIVEN EVOLUTION IN SHEEP YARDS? ✓ ANIMAL PSYCHOLOGY ✓ PRECISION TECHNOLOGY ✓ INTERGENERATIONAL CHANGE
ANIMAL PSYCHOLOGY ✓ UNDERSTANDING LIVESTOCK FLIGHT ZONES Reference: Temple Grandin
ANIMAL PSYCHOLOGY Good sheepyard design is underpinned by animal psychology principles for ease of access and flexibility of movement: • Appropriate use of blind panels leading into adjustable tapered drafting race • Following the points of balance to avoid flight zone • Bugle design • Gradient of ground more than 1.5-2%
ANIMAL PSYCHOLOGY Good design makes good business sense: • Less stress on sheep, dogs and people • Gain more weight • Higher quality meat • Eliminate labour efficiencies • Occupational health and safety compliance • Animal welfare
PRECISION TECHNOLOGY
INTERGENERATIONAL CHANGE Instead of investing in sheepyard infrastructure which would last you 50 years… SHEEPYARDS? TRACTOR? Would you put up with this… …just to buy a snazzy new tractor with GPS, comfy seat, air conditioning, latest gadgets – and still need to replace in 5 years?!
CUSTOMISED DESIGN Animal psychology, precision technology and intergenerational change has led to a greater sophistication in design over the last 20-30 years Client: Craig Needs, Lameroo, SA
CUSTOMISED DESIGN Animal psychology, precision technology and intergenerational change has led to a greater sophistication in design over the last 20-30 years Client: Craig Needs, Lameroo, SA
THE PILLARS OF SUCCESS ✓ SAFETY “1 man, 1 dog and ✓ INNOVATION 10,000 sheep!” Bob Hall, Darkan, WA ✓ PRECISION
THE (R)EVOLUTION OF THE MODERN SHEEP YARD
THANK YOU
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