Newsletter - Autumn 2021

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Director's Brief

Welcome to the Autumn edition of our Newsletter.  Here at Thompson Longhorn, 2021 got off to a flying start and we certainly hit the ground running after the Christmas/New Year break.  With the recent surge in cattle prices we have seen a strong desire to generally upgrade capital assets across the beef industry. The innovation and adaptation of our industry to challenges faced in recent times, has truly been inspirational.   

The uncertainty created by COVID has driven our business to explore and execute new avenues to connect with our clients. We are eager to share with you this new opportunity for interaction during Beef Australia 2021. We truly understand that everyone’s time is valuable, both in and outside of our businesses, and so we invite you to meet exclusively with our team during the first week of May. This new approach offers a personal and focused interaction where we can help you make informed decisions without interruption or distraction. I personally invite you to book a one on one meeting with us on the 5th or 6th of May at Coco Brew; Rockhampton if you wish discuss a future project.

Kind Regards, 
Byron Wolff 

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Details to booking a meeting- during BEEF week 2021

WHERE:

 

Coco Brew, Rockhampton

WHEN:

5th or 6th of May from 11:30am - 8:00pm each day

INCLUSIONS:

Each booking will consist of 60 minutes one on one with Byron Wolff, Director of Thompson Longhorn, in a private conference room.

TRANSPORT:

Local transport to and from the venue can be provided.

BOOKINGS

Bookings are essential. Book by emailing sales@thompsonlonghorn.com.au or calling (07) 4666 6174 to nominate a time on Wednesday or Thursday that would best suit you. Please keep in mind that time slots are limited.

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Our Farmers, Our Stories

Like many businesses during this current time, Thompson Longhorn has chosen to redevelop our digital material for clients, to show stories from our clients about their journey in the beef industry. We are very excited to be bringing you a series of videos about a select few primary producers whose stories we feel should be shared with anyone interested in the beef industry. These are farmers and business owners from old generational beginnings who have developed new ventures and take great pride in farming and producing high quality beef.

We are grateful to have Nathan Dyer, whose work you would recognise from Outback magazine to produce these wonderful videos.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

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288 Inverramsay Road, Goomburra, Qld, 4362,
Ph: (07) 4666 6174, Fax: (07) 4666 6242,
Email: sales@thompsonlonghorn.com.au
www.thompsonlonghorn.com.au

Opening hours: 8.00am until 5.00pm Monday to Friday

Newsletter - Summer 2020

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Director's Brief

By Byron Wolff

Welcome to the Summer edition of our Newsletter. 

2020 has been a very challenging year for many of us, however we are very thankful that COVID-19 lockdown restrictions have had a lesser impact on the agricultural sector than many other industries.  Whilst it has limited our ability to visit various parts of the country at certain times throughout the year, we have managed to work with our clients remotely in many instances to achieve successful outcomes.

It has been good to see a turnaround in the season with Southern Australia enjoying good winter rainfall.  We look forward to our friends in the Northern regions also receiving good rain this Wet season and trust that the forecast La Nina will deliver for many who have had only below average seasons in recent years.

The year has been extremely busy for our workshop and we will continue at a hectic pace right up to Christmas, in an effort to complete several more big orders before the break.  The production schedule is already fully booked well into 2021, so if you are considering upgrading your yards, please call us to discuss your plans sooner rather than later.  We anticipate that the production window for the remainder of the financial year will close very quickly.

Wishing all our valued clients and friends a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,
Byron

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Specialised Product- Sheep Drafter

While many of you may associate the Thompson Longhorn brand exclusively with cattle handling equipment, we have recently completed two Longmaster Auto Sheep Drafters for export to clients in Uzbekistan.

The pneumatic sheep drafter is positioned either permanently or on a mobile trailer and functions to restrain sheep for a variety of processes, including weighing, vaccinating and veterinary procedures. It consists of 3 sections: the lead-up race, weigh box and 3 way draft.

Animals can be tipped onto their side in an elevated position for procedures such as pregnancy scanning while in the weigh box. Weigh scales and sensors in the equipment send messages to the control box, where a series of switches control the operation of the draft gates, in order to auto-draft mobs into pre-determined weight ranges.

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Product feature - adjustable curved lane

By Shelly Barnet

The parallel curved lane has been a part of the Thompson Longhorn products for many years, as well as the option of the curved Vee profile lane for those producers running breeding operations.  While the adjustable lane has also been on our product list, 2020 has seen some refinements made to this design and operation.   We wanted to make this a more cost-effective option for those running stock with a large range of weight, to suit weaners right through to breeders.

The width is adjusted using pneumatic rams, so with the press of a remote transmitter button the width is quickly changed to suit the stock at hand.  At full opening width the lane is 760 mm wide, narrowing down to 430 mm.  The outside of the adjustable lane is always fully sheeted, to minimise sight distractions and baulking as cattle flow around the lane. The operating side can be either half sheeted or fully sheeted.  The addition of catwalk on the fully sheeted option enables easy access for an operator moving from the crowding yard to the curved lane and back again.

We are pleased that following the updated design of the adjustable lane, 3 of these units have been manufactured since October, one for export to Uzbekistan, one for a QLD backgrounding operation and one for a NSW feedlot. The customers are impressed with the ease of operation and how it can accommodate different size animals.

Adjustable curved Lane

To view product click here

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cOMING IN 2021

A new video series with a selection of producers who have installed Thompson Longhorn yards and equipment will give you a insight to their experience of choosing, building and using our equipment. Including what effect it has had on their business production.

fOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

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288 Inverramsay Road, Goomburra, Qld, 4362,
Ph: (07) 4666 6174, Fax: (07) 4666 6242,
Email: sales@thompsonlonghorn.com.au
www.thompsonlonghorn.com.au

Opening hours: 8.00am until 5.00pm Monday to Friday

Newsletter - Autumn 2020

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Director's Brief

By Byron Wolff

Welcome to the Autumn edition of our Newsletter. Here at Thompson Longhorn, 2020 got off to a flying start and we certainly hit the ground running after the Christmas/New Year break. The team were very busy working on a large export order for client’s based in Uzbekistan, as well as several projects from the most southerly tip of Victoria (see story below on "Seabreeze") to the North West coast of WA.

We were very pleased to receive some welcome rain throughout many parts of Queensland and across the top end of Australia, which certainly gave many producers some encouragement after the long period of below average rainfall. Although follow-up rain is required to really break this drought, the ability of the country to respond to initial falls was truly amazing. We only hope that those in Southern states will receive a much-needed break this Autumn, following the prolonged dry and horrific fires in many parts.

As if the recent climatic challenges were not enough, we are now all facing a new challenge in the form of COVID-19. While in the short-term this has meant that we have been unable to attend events such as the Northern Territory Cattleman’s Association conference in Alice Springs or the Upper Hunter’s Producer Open Day at the Scone Saleyards, we are continuing to do business, albeit from a (social) distance. We are thankful that agriculture is seen as an essential service in Australia and Thompson Longhorn intends to keep supporting all of our clients in this challenging time.

Stay healthy and strong, this too, will pass

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Instant Asset Write-Off for Eligible Businesses

Recently the Australian Taxation Office announced an increase is the threshold amount for instant asset write-off for individual assets of up to $150,000. This is a substantial increase from the previous threshold of $30,000 and will be available up until 30 June 2020.

This provides primary producers with a great incentive to undertake improvements or upgrade equipment such as livestock handling facilities and be able to claim a deduction this financial year. It is anticipated that from 1 July 2020 the instant asset write-off will be reduced.

In conjunction to the changes to Instant Asset Write-off thresholds, there are provisions to deduct the cost of depreciated assets at an accelerated rate in the current financial year. For each new asset, the accelerated depreciation deduction applies in the income year that the asset is first used or installed ready for use for a taxable purpose. This rule is important for purchase of assets in excess of $150,000.

Thompson Longhorn recommends that you speak with your accountant or tax adviser in relation to your eligibility and how these new rules would apply to your business.

Reference https://www.ato.gov.au/business/depreciation-and-capital-expenses-and-allowances/

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Project Completion - Seabreeze

By Shelly Barnet

Thompson Longhorn recently completed the installation of a new set of yards for the Heywood Family, located near Sandy Point, in South Eastern Victoria. As the property name suggests, you literally do get a sea breeze, as the southerly outlook is towards Bass Strait. Owing to the high rainfall, the whole yard area is on concrete and the working centre enclosed on 3 sides. The fully pneumatic yards include a Monarch MKII restrainer and a 5 way auto draft facility. According to the proud new owners the yards are “a breeze to work in”.

To view the full project profile click here

All equipment are installed on top of a concrete slab, this increases usage of yards during wet and cold weather as cattle are not standing in mud and water.

This client chose to install a Monarch with Gallagher weigh scale and data collector.

The core equipment is contained within the shed structure. including the crowding yard and curved lane which have catwalk wrapped around for ease of use.

Birdseye view of the yards.

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Onsite Equipment Service

Like many businesses at the current time, Thompson Longhorn has had to review policy and procedures in relation to COVID-19. Onsite service visits by our field service team is still available, to ensure that vital equipment for livestock processing can be maintained and kept operational at all times. It is important for all parties involved that strict adherence to all health protocols is observed.

If your business experiences a breakdown or issue with equipment the first point of contact is the Sales team at Head Office, either by email sales@thompsonlonghorn.com or ph. (07) 4666 6174. As the old adage goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words”, so a photo of the problem goes a long way to understanding the issue. Kelly, our technical trouble-shooter, is currently working from home so may not be in mobile range at all times should you be used to calling him directly. The Sales staff will forward details of any service calls immediately they are received and you can rest assured your request will be treated with priority.

While it is relatively easier to visit Qld clients from our base at Goomburra, interstate visits may still be possible and will be assessed on a case by case basis and will be subject to any travel restrictions imposed by the respective State Government.

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Come and see us at our factory

288 Inverramsay Road, 75 kilometres from Toowoomba

We welcome you to visit use to see our automated trade display and our robotic welding facility. Our factory is only a 50 minute drive from Toowoomba. Simply turn east just south of Allora at the Goomburra turnoff and 12.5km later you will be at Thompson Longhorn.

An appointment is necessary for factory tours. To book an appointment please call us on (07) 4666 6174. 

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288 Inverramsay Road, Goomburra, Qld, 4362,
Ph: (07) 4666 6174, Fax: (07) 4666 6242,
Email: sales@thompsonlonghorn.com.au
www.thompsonlonghorn.com.au

Opening hours: 8.00am until 5.00pm Monday to Friday

Newsletter - Summer 2019

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Director's Brief

By Byron Wolff

Welcome to the Summer Edition of our Newsletter.  Thompson Longhorn has enjoyed a very busy schedule this year with the completion of the Biggenden Saleyards, featured in our Autumn Newsletter, and also the Scone Regional Livestock Selling Centre upgrade with new selling pens and roof area.

Manufacture and installation of new yards on properties in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland this year have also kept the team busy.  Whilst 2019 has seen below average rainfall throughout vast areas of Australia, many producers still see the value in upgrading their cattle handling facilities. 

Another milestone in 2019 has been the installation of a tipping restrainer at Mort & Co’s Grassdale Feedlot, near Dalby, Qld.  After featuring in the Autumn 2018 Newsletter, the first tipping restrainer was installed at Tey’s Australia – Charlton Feedlot in Victoria.  Production is currently underway for the 3rd tipping restrainer which will go into the Bindaree Beef Group’s Myola Feedlot near North Star, NSW early in 2020.  As with any new product, real world feedback leads to ongoing improvement of the design to ensure optimum operation.

Wishing all our clients and followers a Merry Christmas and we look forward to the possibility of widespread rain in 2020. 

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Scone Saleyards

By Georgina Barnet

Work on the Scone Regional Livestock Selling Centre commenced in June 2018 with several months spent planning the 7 Stages of the re-development. Many subcontractors were engaged by Thompson Longhorn for the installation of not only the equipment and yards, but also the civil works required. Tender work was completed in October 2019 and regular weekly sales were maintained throughout the entire period. Our on-site project manager oversaw the project from start to finish. Here are some interesting statistics and a few photos. A more detailed overview is available on the project profile click here

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New Product- “Medic” Tipping Restrainer

By Shelly Barnet

From development to delivery, this product has been manufactured with both the operator and livestock in mind. Specifications in this fully hydraulic restrainer include; vet restrainer and compartment kick door, adjustable top and bottom squeeze for animal safety when lowering to horizontal, swing away floor for full hoof access, leg grabs with remote control and head scoop. The hydraulic system is driven by a power pack, which can be located several metres from the restrainer to increase work space and reduce noise from influencing livestock behaviour.

Offside of “Medic” Tipping Restrainer

First “Medic” in use

Control Console for “Medic” Tipping Restrainer

Underside of steer tipped horizontal with floor dropped in “Medic”

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Come and see us at our factory

288 Inverramsay Road, 75 kilometres from Toowoomba

We welcome you to visit use to see our automated trade display and our robotic welding facility. Our factory is only a 50 minute drive from Toowoomba. Simply turn east just south of Allora at the Goomburra turnoff and 12.5km later you will be at Thompson Longhorn.

An appointment is necessary for factory tours. To book an appointment please call us on (07) 4666 6174. 

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288 Inverramsay Road, Goomburra, Qld, 4362,
Ph: (07) 4666 6174, Fax: (07) 4666 6242,
Email: sales@thompsonlonghorn.com.au
www.thompsonlonghorn.com.au

Opening hours: 8.00am until 5.00pm Monday to Friday

Newsletter - Autumn 2019

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Director's Brief

By Byron Wolff

Thank you for taking the time to read our Autumn Newsletter. Greetings to our new readers and a warm welcome back to our loyal readers. Thompson Longhorn has had a very exciting start to the year with multiple new major projects underway, along with current projects drawing to completion. 

During the next few months we are also proud to be sponsoring multiple events including the Adina Polocrosse World Cup. The Polocrosse event will be held in Warwick from the 22nd - 28th of April 2019. Our Sales Team will be at our trade stall for the duration of the World Cup Polocrosse event and are eager to speak to you about why choosing Thompson Longhorn for your yard upgrade is the best decision. Ex demo equipment will also be on display available for purchase. During the event we will also be sponsoring the Thompson Longhorn Barastock Interstate Series Team Meet and Greet and attending the auction on Friday the 26th to auction cattle handling equipment. 

Biggenden Saleyard is drawing to completion which has been one of our major projects over the last 12 months. Continue reading to see progress photos and interesting facts about the project. 

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Biggenden Livestock Exchange

By Cassandra Dale

Biggenden Livestock Exchange has been a massive project we undertook and estimated completion for the end of March. The construction of the saleyards includes demolition of the old yards, design of the new yards along with construction and installation. The construction was completed on schedule with no major issues. During the construction local businesses were utilised to ensure the timely completion of the project. Please see below a few facts about the saleyard rebuild along with multiple progress photos.

September 2018

October 2018

December 2018

January 2019

February 2019

The saleyards have been an extensive project for Thompson Longhorn over the past 12 months. Rebuilding saleyards presents many challenges as the yards are normally still in operation and construction must allow for these sales to proceed with no interruption. The saleyard will be completed by the end of the month. 

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Onsite Equipment Services

By Cassandra Dale

Thompson Longhorn is now offering onsite service for Thompson Longhorn equipment. Our field service team is available to come to your property and service equipment and provide a service report. The service report will include information on repairs and ongoing maintenance required for your equipment.  An obligation free quote for any parts required will also be provided.

To express interest or gain more information on upcoming service trips in your region please email sales@thompsonlonghorn.com.au or call (07) 4666 6174.

Service visits will be charged at a flat rate if visit occurs during a designated service trip. If the visit is not during a service trip travel costs will be charged along with service fee. Conditions apply.

Design Article

By Mat May-Thomas

Here at Thompson Longhorn we pride ourselves on our ability to provide innovative design solutions for any customer in any situation to accommodate the best cattle movement efficiency possible. A prime example of such a design which we have recently been implementing with great success for weaning and feeding operations is our Easyflow holding pens.

Based upon the principles of bovine group movement the Easyflow holding pens are configured to remove any swirl points within the yard and effectively channel animals allowing producers and operators to quickly and easily move their livestock into and out off the pens. Furthermore, design is fully effective whether you want 2 pens or 20

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Have you read our free ebook?

Our free eBook outlines some of the perennial challenges and questions that you may face when you are looking to invest in new equipment or yards. We understand that this can be a confusing and complicated process, our eBook shows you how we can make the process easier for you. 

Get your free copy here

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Come and see us at our factory

288 Inverramsay Road, 75 kilometres from Toowoomba

We welcome you to visit use to see our automated trade display and our robotic welding facility. Our factory is only a 50 minute drive from Toowoomba. Simply turn east just south of Allora at the Goomburra turnoff and 12.5km later you will be at Thompson Longhorn.

An appointment is necessary for factory tours. To book an appointment please call us on (07) 4666 6174. 

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Have you checked out our facebook page?

Click here to visit our Facebook page

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288 Inverramsay Road, Goomburra, Qld, 4362,
Ph: (07) 4666 6174, Fax: (07) 4666 6242,
Email: sales@thompsonlonghorn.com.au
www.thompsonlonghorn.com.au

Opening hours: 8.00am until 5.00pm Monday to Friday

Newsletter - Spring 2018

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Director's Brief

By Byron Wolff

Thank you for taking the time to read our Spring Newsletter. Greetings to our new readers and a warm welcome back to our loyal readers.

Its nearly our favourite time of the year; Rodeo time!

If you haven’t been to the Warwick Rodeo it’s definitely something to put on your bucket list. The event is held on the 22nd – 28th of October at the Warwick show grounds and brings to town the best of the best. Filled with horseman, bronc riders, bull riders and much more Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft is the highlight of the year for many. Last year the event exceeded expectations with nearly 35,000 people through the gates over the event. It is not an event to be missed!

Thompson Longhorn are proud to announce we are Gold Sponsors of the Rodeo again this year and we absolutely love the opportunity to attend. All cattle are processed through Thompson Longhorn equipment which is a perfect opportunity to see our core operating centre in full action. Don’t forget to stop by the Thompson Longhorn trade stall to say hi!

We hope to see you all there!

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Custom Operating Centre

By Heidi Green

Have you ever seen our core equipment, (crowds, races, ramps, and so on) and wondered if you could change those stairs out for ramped catwalk, or load out of that race? You can, and we thought we could share a few examples of recent customizations.

This is our 360° Pneumatic Nearside Crowd, as the name implies there are quite a few variations; 270°, 180° (rather than 360°), Manual (rather than pneumatic), Offside, and different combinations of those. The stairs that you see coming off the catwalk can also be moved around the crowd to better suit your yard, or indeed replaced by inclined catwalks.

This is our Parallel Non-Sheeted Curved Nearside Race, and the name gives it away again-there are plenty of variations; Vee-profile (rather than parallel), Half-Sheeted, Full Sheeted (rather than Non-Sheeted), Straight, Offside, and a variety of combinations of those. All of those come with break out gates in every section, but what if you want to load out of your race? You can, and we’ve done so at both the start and the middle of our curved race. In both cases a gate directs cattle either to the load out or through the race.

This is our Double Deck Ramp, which is always great to customize. Do you really only need to unload, then we can remove the sorting gate from the bottom. Do you have an unusual yard layout and you just can’t fit the standard straight ramp, may we suggest kinking the ramp. Does your site have multiple levels, use your ramp to best advantage spanning between your yards and road heights.

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Para-Vee Headbail

By Heidi Green

CURRENTLY TWO IN STOCK

Some would say that there isn’t room for improvement in headbail design, here at Thompson Longhorn we respectfully disagree. There are a lot of variations on Headbails, but most fall into two types; vee doors and parallel doors.

Vee Headbails have both doors rotate to open and close, pivoting off the bottom of the headbail frame, so the bottom of the doors close faster than the top. That is you can close the doors enough to catch the shoulders, and still leave room for the animal’s head between the doors, reducing the risk of missed animals.

However, the pivots mean that even when the doors are fully open, the bottom of the headbail isn’t clear, and therefore cattle can feel forced to jump through.

Parallel Headbails on the other hand have both doors slide to open and close, typically using wheels and runners at the top of the doors. Which means there is nothing in the way when the doors are open. However, the top and bottom of the headbail close at the same time, so animals must be caught after they reach the headbail.

Which led us to the question, why not combine both and create a Parallel-Vee Headbail? Of course, it wasn’t quite that simple, but it does work. As the doors first start to open, they mostly rotate, and as they open, they begin to mostly slide, keeping the pivots out of the way, without losing the catching convenience of the vee headbail.

While taking the Parallel-Vee Headbail from concept to product, we decided to make a few other changes, starting with adapting the manual version to make it much easier to use, and ending with changing the name to para-vee.

CURRENTLY TWO IN STOCK

1 x Heavy Duty vet with para-vee head bail

1 x Grazier with para-vee head bail

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Have you read our free ebook?

Our free eBook outlines some of the perennial challenges and questions that you may face when you are looking to invest in new equipment or yards. We understand that this can be a confusing and complicated process, our eBook shows you how we can make the process easier for you. 

Get your free copy here

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Come and see us at our factory

288 Inverramsay Road, 75 kilometres from Toowoomba

We welcome you to visit use to see our automated trade display and our robotic welding facility. Our factory is only a 50 minute drive from Toowoomba. Simply turn east just south of Allora at the Goomburra turnoff and 12.5km later you will be at Thompson Longhorn.

An appointment is necessary for factory tours. To book an appointment please call us on (07) 4666 6174. 

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Have you checked out our facebook page?

Click here to visit our Facebook page

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288 Inverramsay Road, Goomburra, Qld, 4362,
Ph: (07) 4666 6174, Fax: (07) 4666 6242,
Email: sales@thompsonlonghorn.com.au
www.thompsonlonghorn.com.au

Opening hours: 8.00am until 5.00pm Monday to Friday

Newsletter - Autumn 2018

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director's brief

By Byron Wolff

Thanks for taking the time to check in on our Autumn newsletter. In December, we were hoping for the predicted above average summer rainfall for the north to materialise. What a mixed bag of surprises Australia actually received?! Despite continual weather challenges the industry has generally remained positive and it has been encouraging to see continued innovation.

In 2014 Thompson Longhorn pioneered the use of drones for the purpose of collecting existing cattle yard site information and then utilising the data to redesigning and improving safety, welfare and efficiency. Since Christmas, two separate and non-related projects have kicked off that may offer break throughs to monitoring livestock behaviour and livestock feed optimisation, one utilising drones. 

Along side these innovative studies, recent research has identified that further opportunities can be realised in the feedlot sector by increasing automation levels (click here to read more).

Last year we witnessed several red meat processing automation projects announced, which show plenty of promise (click here to read more).

It is hard to explain how exciting it is to be involved in such a progressive and positive industry, despite the continual challenges. There is little doubt that Australia punches well above it's weight on the global stage and in many cases leads the world in livestock management technology.

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Autodrafting Cattle

By Kelly Keong

'Auto drafting' is a term that has become much more commonly used within our segment of the industry in recent years, but what does the term actually mean? Most cattle producers have heard of the concept, but individual interpretations can be quite varied. In more recent years we have seen a maturing of this market segment, and as a result it is not surprising that some clarification of what automated processes are now available to 'auto-draft' animals is past due.

For almost 20 years, Thompson Longhorn has specialised in building automated cattle handling equipment. During this time, we have delivered widely varying degrees of cattle yard automation.

It could be argued that automating a gate(s) in a lane draft or pound yard with a pneumatic (or less commonly used hydraulic) cylinder produces a basic level of 'auto-draft'. Whilst these innovations offer great improvements to operator safety and animal welfare, this mechanisation is not an 'auto-draft'. This is a fairly common misunderstanding. 

The second misunderstanding is that your new scale head, RFID reader or field computer running herd management software can somehow take physical control of your mechanised gates - aka 'auto-drafting'. These important and intelligent management tools are definitely a critical part of the process but have no ability to directly make any gate move. What these devices do extremely well, is combine real time data collection (weight, RFID, historical animal information) with user defined sorting rules to give the operator accurate answers, at a speed and level of accuracy that is not humanly possible.

An 'auto-drafter' is the missing link that ties your mechanised gates and smart crush side data processor together by listening to the code coming from a scale head or PC and being able to then take control and make gates move. 

In summary, there are three important parts required to create a complete system:

1. Mechanisation of the hardware: actuators or powered cylinders connected to the drafting gates and perhaps the entry and exit gates to the RFID scanner/weigh box, and the ability to control these gates electronically.
2. The automation of the draft choice: a computer-generated draft choice based on live and pre-programmed criteria. Typically, this is performed by a smart scale indicator with draft capability, PC based herd management software or an intelligent RFID reader (as in a drafter used to separate non-reading animals for re-tagging).
3. 'Auto-draft' controller - realising the value of the system: once the draft choice has been made in the scale indicator or PC, the computer code needs to be translated and then used to generate electronic signals (usually 24-volt DC) that can be sent to gate control solenoids. This device has varying levels of intelligence available and can sequence events to ensure that other draft gates are closed before opening a new gate or that the draft gate is open before releasing the animals from the scanner/weigh box. Autonomous drafting (look mum, no humans!) can also be achieved via adding animal location sensors to the system so that the auto-draft controller knows where the livestock are within the system at all times. 

So, when is some form of cattle yard automation warranted? One might think that business (herd) size would be a determining factor to work out who does and does not adopt these newer technologies - not true. We have instead witnessed a trend of adoption from organisations and individuals who have taken a longer-term view of their businesses and have made deliberate steps towards improving operator safety, animal welfare and reducing operating costs (labour saving). Time and again it has been proven that simply starting by automating drafter gates, is well worth the the expense for most cattle producers.

At the other end of the scale, most commercial feedlot operations use livestock management software and require drafting animals on recorded historical data (like veterinarian withholding periods, home pens etc.). RFID makes this possible but the sequencing of various pieces of automated equipment, scanners and sensors using an auto draft controller, makes true auto drafting a reality.

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in development: hydraulic tipping restrainer

By Heidi Green

Here at Thompson Longhorn we love to design innovative equipment to make your work life easier, safer and more efficient. Often this process starts with a seemingly simple question like, "Can I have a restrainer that is also a tipping table?" The simple answer is yes you can. Another question worth asking is "Why?" you would want a Tipping Restrainer. Two main reasons; you only need to catch your cattle once, and you only need to maintain one piece of equipment. 

Such a versatile piece of equipment is an interesting challenge in many ways, especially keeping all the features of a restrainer, when upright, and sufficient hoof access when tipped. Of course, we also want to ensure that we provide easy to use, safe solutions for both workers and cattle.

Our design team is working on a hydraulically powered Tipping Restrainer, to reduce the heavy lifting, and offer features like powered leg grabs. Which are designed to make the process of hoof trimming as easy and safe as possible. The idea is simple, encourage each leg to the nearest grab, push a button, and the hydraulics do the rest, holding each leg in place until you are finished and release them. 

We have kept a dual squeeze system, to keep your cattle comfortable and safely restrained, both when tipped and upright. A dual squeeze system also means that you can raise and lower tipped animals, to a safe and convenient height for your workers. Both squeezes are shaped wider at the belly of your cattle, to better hold each animal from shifting, especially when tipped. Which also helps animals to be tipped back onto their feet. 

Very soon we will be enjoying the next most exciting phase - physically building a prototype and testing it out.

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have you read our free ebook?

Our free eBook outlines some of the perennial challenges and questions that you may face when you are looking to invest in new equipment or yards. We understand that this can be a confusing and complicated process, our eBook shows you how we can make the process easier for you. 

Get your free copy here

---

come and see us at our factory

288 Inverramsay Road, 75 kilometres from Toowoomba

We welcome you to visit use to see our automated trade display and our robotic welding facility. Our factory is only a 50 minute drive from Toowoomba. Simply turn east just south of Allora at the Goomburra turnoff and 12.5km later you will be at Thompson Longhorn.

An appointment is necessary for factory tours. To book an appointment please call us on (07) 4666 6174. 

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have you checked out our facebook page?

Click here to visit our Facebook page

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288 Inverramsay Road, Goomburra, Qld, 4362,
Ph: (07) 4666 6174, Fax: (07) 4666 6242,
Email: sales@thompsonlonghorn.com.au
www.thompsonlonghorn.com.au

Opening hours: 8.00am until 5.00pm Monday to Friday