Marcus Graham runs 460 cows across 145ha in Ōhaupō and knows first-hand the toll physical strain can take.
A few years ago, he rolled an ankle on his cowshed’s pit stairs, which put him in a moon boot. His injury meant others had to take over his tasks, reminding him of the importance of safety, especially during the busy calving season.
“I’m keen on anything that makes working on-farm safer,” says Marcus.
The Waikato farmer recently trialled Gallagher’s Easy-Access Calf Pen Gate and has found it to be a game-changer.
“The Easy-Access Calf Pen Gate helps avoid a lot of twisting and turning when you’re loading,” Marcus says.
For Marcus, reducing those small movements that can lead to strains is crucial, both for his well-being and for the calves.
“It made life much easier, and there are real time-saving benefits,” he says.
The one-way design allows him to move hands-free between pens, carrying buckets, or shifting calves without having to climb gates. It’s the kind of innovation that makes day-to-day tasks quicker, more efficient and safer.
Backed by research
A three-year project, co-funded by ACC’s Workplace Injury Prevention Grants programme and DairyNZ, identified common causes of injuries on dairy farms and developed practical solutions, such as this gate. Research showed that sprains and strains, particularly during calving, are a significant concern for farmers. In 2022 and 2023, about 1,500 ACC claims were made annually, with calf-related activities behind the majority of injuries, costing $5-6million each year. Typically, farmers suffering these injuries need 12 days off work, with full recovery averaging 27 days.
“Farmers are doing physically demanding work, and during calving, it’s even more intensive,” says DairyNZ Research Engineer, Brian Dela Rue.
“The risk of injury, particularly from repeated lifting and awkward movements, is very real. Products like the Easy-Access Calf Pen Gate, are a great step forward in helping keep farmers safer on the job.”
Gallagher’s Head of Animal Fencing, Kelvin Wong, adds, “The Easy-Access Calf Pen Gate is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing setups, so farmers don’t need to overhaul their entire system. It’s easy to install and, with its spring-loaded, self-closing saloon door, it ensures ease of use and safety.”
Visit your local Farm Source store to order your Easy-Access Calf Pen Gate for July delivery and see for yourself how it can make your farm safer and more efficient this calving season. Single and double gate options are available.
Article supplied by Gallagher