As we see on pages 48 and 49, Shane Fitzpatrick recently installed a new beef finishing shed with the capacity for approximately 70 cattle. While the shed itself will greatly increase output from the farm it is the small investments that he has made to reduce labour and ease management which really make the development stand out.

Split meal bin

“I tried to put everything into the shed that I would need,” Shane said, “and the first thing that was needed was a meal bin.”

The decision was made to go with a 16t split meal bin which was supplied by McAree Engineering. “We would have a weanling ration in one side and a finishing ration in the other. You really do need a split bin if you are going to have any different groups of stock at all, but it is a lifetime job,” Shane explained.

The total cost of the bin came to €6,600 including the VAT. Grant aid is available for meal bins through TAMS.

Weighing scales

Another useful investment for finishing farms is a weighing scales. Not only does it allow you to keep track of performance of animals, but it can also be used to accurately dose throughout the year to ensure you are not under- or over-dosing stock. Shane purchased a weighing scales a few years ago with the crush in the new shed now fitted with the control panel. Installing a power point close to the skulling gate is strongly recommended as was done.

At the time the weighing scales cost approximately €1,100 including the VAT. The new Beef Environmental and Efficiency Pilot scheme (BEEP) that will be rolled out in 2019 sees weighing cows and calves as one of the key requirements of the scheme so more and more farmers will look towards purchasing a weighing scales over the coming year.

Grant aid can also be got on a weighing scales, which have a reference cost of €1,164 excluding the VAT.

Anti-backing bar

The final small investment that Shane had fitted to his shed was an anti-backing bar in the crush. This allows cattle to move up the crush but not back past the bar and makes filling of the crush easier and safer, reducing the pressure that may be on the back gate. This cost approximately €215 including the VAT, however there are a variety of different backing bars on the market so price can vary. There is no grant available on anti-backing bars.

Head scoop

An additional investment that would help farmers when handling livestock, which Shane did not have, is a head scoop. A TAMS grant can be got on these and they have a reference cost of €379 excluding VAT. There is a large range of head scoops out there with more expensive options, with a plastic mould head scoop ranging from €550 up to €715 including VAT.

Minimum investment

If buying some of the smaller items outlined above then you may be required to combine investments to avail of the grant aid as the minimum investment to be eligible for TAMS is €2,000 per application.