Complete Stock Management Solution

Tel: 01765 689541 Fax: 01765 689851 Email: info@ritchey.co.uk www.ritchey.co.uk
RD2000
• Available in Visual and EID, both applied with the
same applicator
• Unique snag free design, providing excellent retention
• High quality FDX-B chip moulded into the body of the
tag, so the external tag remains unchanged
• RD2000 Flag available for management purposes
• Visual available in 11 colours and can be mixed and
matched giving you over 80 possible combinations.
• EID available in 6 colours (Scotland only)
Sheep Tags
2
Snapp Tagg
Combining reliability and technology for sheep farmers.
• Available in visual and EID, both applied with the same applicator
• Locks together tightly without pinching
• In strips of 10 for easy handling
• Waterproof and shock resistant EID chip
• Lightweight and easy to apply
• Outstanding readability
• Visual available in 8 colours:
• EID available in 6 colours (Scotland only)
Applicator Tool - 09021
®

3
Cattle Tags
Reusable EID Button
• The same internal technology as the non reusable tag but manufactured to allow multiple use
• When reusing the tag please ensure the correct male tags are used
• HDX Transponder
• Suitable for management use only
• Diameter: 30mm
EID
• DEFRA approved Secondary tags
• High quality plastic
• Excellent retention and read distance
• Fast, easy application
• HDX Transponder
• Also available as management tags
Visual
• DEFRA approved Primary and Secondary tags
• High quality plastic
• Fast, easy application
• Also available as management tags
• Management and Secondary tags available in
9 colours:

Why Weigh?
Weighing replaces guess-work with facts,
making it a powerful performance measurement
tool for farmers.
The information provided by Tru-Test weigh
scale indicators assists in decision making
about feed rations, health treatments and
condition scoring. On its own, weighing is a
valuable addition to your operation. However,
with the emergence of electronic identification
(EID), an opportunity exists to maximise the
potential of the data collected.
What is EID?
Electronic Identification (EID) allows you to track
individuals through their entire life cycle via an
electronic ear tag (or other EID device such as
a bolus).
Many governments have implemented (or
are planning to implement) mandatory EID
schemes to help protect the industry from the
impact of biosecurity threats. From a farmer’s
point of view, tagging animals with an electronic
(EID) tag can add value by allowing better
management of individual performance.
With EID, an animals history can be tracked
allowing identification of good and bad
performers. Streamlining you herd/flock allows
inputs to be assessed and profits maximised.
Electronic Weighing
4

ElectronicWeighing
What are the benefits of
Weighing to your
Farming Operation?
Avoid Penalties! Ensure livestock are
sold at the optimum weight grade
Closely managing the weight gain of individual
animals or mobs can help you tailor your feed
and treatment inputs to ensure maximum
profitability, reduce the risk of penalties,
Saving you money!
Minimise treatment waste
Drench/pour-on dosage can be calculated
more accurately based on the requirements of
the individual animal. Incorrect dosing is the
number one cause of drench resistance amongst
livestock, so while minimising treatment waste,
you’re also maximising the health of your herd.
Monitor reproductive performance
Closely monitoring the weight gain of offspring
can help make breeding decisions to maximise
reproductive performance.
In addition, ensuring optimum mating weights
can improve breeding performance. Making sure
target calving weights are reached will improve
calving outcome.
Identify sick or lame animals earlier
Regular weighing of individual animals
means weight loss and other issues that
manifest over time are identified sooner, allowing
prevention rather than cure. Early detection
helps when managing input costs such as feed,
health treatment and culling.
Manage your time spent in the yard
Your time is a valuable input in your farming
operation. With the use of Tru-Test weigh
systems your weigh sessions are completed
faster and with less labour.
5

Electronic Weighing
7
Loadbar Selection Chart
Tel: 01765 689541 Email: info@ritchey.co.uk
Indicator Selection Chart
Internal Rechargeable
Battery
Backlit Screen
Battery Life 20 Hours run time 20 Hours run time
14 Hours run time,
with continuous use
15 Hours run time,
with continuous use
13.5 Hours run time,
with continuous use
Computer Link
Memory 15,000 Records 10,000 Records 50,000 Records 50,000 Records
EID Compatible
Bluetooth
Connectivity
Possible with
Bluetooth dongle
Comment Field
12 Digit comment
field per entry
12 Digit comment
field per entry
3 x 12 Digit comment
field per entry
field per entry
Superdamp
Technology
Daily Liveweight Gain
Display
Group Statistics
Individual Statistics
AutoDraft Compatible Draft by weight only
Life Data Fields
8 Customisable life
data fields
8 Customisable life
data fields
MP600 MP800 MP1010 HD800 HD1010
Portable/ Temporary
Permanent
Capacity 2000kg 3000kg 3000kg 3000kg 3000kg
TM
Electronic Weighing Equipment
See these Indicators in action - Visit our video library:
http://www.ritchey.co.uk/video-library/default.aspx
7
Loadbar Selection Chart
Tel: 01765 689541 Email: info@ritchey.co.uk
Fax: 01765 689851 Web: www.ritchey.co.uk
Internal Rechargeable
Battery
Backlit Screen
Battery Life 20 Hours run time 20 Hours run time
14 Hours run time,
with continuous use
15 Hours run time,
with continuous use
13.5 Hours run time,
with continuous use
Computer Link
Memory 15,000 Records 10,000 Records 50,000 Records 50,000 Records
EID Compatible
Bluetooth
Connectivity
Possible with
Bluetooth dongle
Comment Field
12 Digit comment
field per entry
12 Digit comment
field per entry
field per entry
field per entry
Superdamp
Technology
Daily Liveweight Gain
Display
Group Statistics
Individual Statistics
AutoDraft Compatible Draft by weight only
Life Data Fields
8 Customisable life
data fields
8 Customisable life
data fields
MP600 MP800 MP1010 HD800 HD1010
Portable/ Temporary
Permanent
Capacity 2000kg 3000kg 3000kg 3000kg 3000kg
TM
Electronic Weighing Equipment
See these Indicators in action - Visit our video library:
http://www.ritchey.co.uk/video-library/default.aspx
Load bar Selection Chart
6

HD800
Heavy Duty 800 mm load bars
(60102)
Heavy Duty (HD) Load Bars
HD load bars are designed for heavy duty
permanent installations where extra durability is required.
• 3,000 kg capacity
• For permanent installation under
a crush or crate where extra
durability is required
• Compatible with any weigh scale
indicator in the Tru-Test range
• Corrosion resistant galvanised housing
• Reinforced cables to prevent damage
• IP67 rated - Water and dust proof
HD1010
Heavy Duty 1010 mm load bars
(60202)
In house servicing & repair available, please see page 30 for more details.
Multi Purpose (MP) Load Bars
Tru-Test MP Series load bars are the multi-purpose solution in the range.
• Versatile, can be used with a
temporary or permanent installation
• Compatible with any weigh scale
indicator in the Tru-Test range
• Corrosion resistant zinc plated,
gold passivated housing
• Rugged and durable load bars
• Reinforced cables to prevent damage
• Rubber feet provide extra grip
and shock dispersal
• IP67 rated - Water and dust proof
MP600
Multi-purpose
600 mm load bars
2000 kg capacity
(60001)
MP800
Multi-purpose
800 mm load bars
3000 kg capacity
(60101)
MP1010
Multi-purpose
1010 mm load bars
3000 kg capacity
(60201)
Load bars
7

• Wireless communication with EID readers up to 100m
away, or connect via cable
• Records information against EID and VID tags
• Calculates and displays an animal’s daily weight gain
since the previous session
• Record notes for each individual animal or a batch
• Stores up to 100 weighing sessions and 15,000
records
• Summary statistics from the current and previous
weighing sessions can be recalled in the yard
• Speeds up drafting by weight, displaying up to 3
directions to custom set ranges
• Long life battery, up to 20 hrs of run time, charge time
3 hrs, auto power down to save battery life
• Superdamp™ III technology, with 4 damping modes
• Auto incrementing and auto prefixing for fast entry of
VID
• Bright red stable light
• IP67, 100% water and dust proof
Indicators
• Highly visible display - The EziWeigh5 has a large
35 mm display with a super bright white LED backlight
to make it viewable in all conditions, from the brightest
daylight conditions to darkness.
• Bright red stable light - You can easily identify
when you have a stable weight
• Fine mode - On/off option allows weighing to
0.1/0.2kg accuracy for lower weights
• Auto power off - The EziWeigh5 automatically
turns off after 15 minutes of no activity to save
the battery
• Superdamp™ III technology
(61513)
• Fast charging - Mains charger
can charge the battery in 3 hours
(61515)
8

Indicators
• Fully EID compatible
• 10,000 individual animal records
• One 6 digit and one 16 digit data
field with cross referencing to
enable dual ID numbers to
be recorded
• Bluetooth connectivity
• One 4 digit code field per file
for recording additional
animal information
• Up to 3 way drafting
• Report printing of data, statistics and file summary info
• IP67 rated - water and dust proof
THE WORLD’S BIGGEST SELLING
ANIMAL WEIGH SCALE
Advanced EID compatible weigh scale indicator. Enables convenient, streamlined collection of
data with automatic incrementing, repetition of common data and prefix. Simple
downloading and uploading of files to PC, makes analysis away from the weigh site easy.
• Fully EID compatible
• 50,000 individual animal records
• 8 x 25 character file data fields with
cross reference capabilities
• Ability to record animal traits; breed, sire,
dam
• Custom fields for easy data entry
• Statistics from current and previous
sessions
• Animal history tables
• Weight gain and predictions
• Up to 10 way drafting
• On-screen graphics for easy navigation/
analysis
• Weight gain line graphs
• User configurable reports
• Data filters
• Bluetooth available - Wireless
communication with EID readers and
laptops
• IP67 rated - water and dust proof
Standard (61303) Bluetooth enabled (61304)
(61307)
9

XRS Stick Reader
• Reads all HDX and FDX-B tags
• 20,000 scanned tag memory
• 50 sessions for grouping/Separating flock
• Vibrating handle to alert on tag read
• Loud beeper and 2 super bright LEDs
for alerts
• Duplicate discard option, so it won’t read the
same tag twice
• Large display which shows both EID and
Visual number
• Tag Buckets can be uploaded onto the stick
• Bluetooth® for wireless connectivity up to
100m
• Auto find Bluetooth® pairing and connection
- retains a list of 10 previously paired
Bluetooth® devices
• Customisable alerts for selected animals -
meaning you will be notified by the reader
when pre-selected animals are read
• Enter customised data, like health treatments
or condition scores, against individual
animals (pre-set list of up to 10 options)
• Compatible with a Mobile Printer (09819)
• Supplied with Tru-Test EziLink™ enabling
export and import of data and alert/custom
field set up.
Rugged. Fast. Easy. Long battery life Fully portable
IT WON’T LET YOU DOWN!
(09817)
EID Readers
10

Mobile printer with Bluetooth
• Fully portable and compatible
with the XRS Stick Reader
• Bluetooth for wireless communication
• Durable, waterproof paper
• Unique single handed easy
paper load system
• Utilises a high speed and
high quality fixed head
mechanism with superb
quality text
• Strong case design that
won’t stress the lid hinge
(09819)
EID Readers
NEW XRP2 Panel Reader
• Reads all HDX and FDX-B tags
• Option to record EID tag numbers or
send to your weigh head
• Wireless connectivity with Bluetooth
enabled Tru-Test Indicator or
smartphone using Bluetooth technology
• Easily download recorded information
using your Android smartphone or PC
• Plug and play setup, with unique auto
tuning function
• Antenna options to suit your set up
• Rugged design for the tough
agricultural environment
• Read range up to 1m
• Daylight viewable screen
• Powered by mains or a 12V power
supply
Sheep (09794)
Cattle (09793)
11

Animal Handling Systems
Mobile Sheep Yards
Standard 10’ Mobile Yard
Includes:
• Mobile unit with 3 way drafting, geared
winch, strong drawbar, gate support arms,
retaining straps and 13” wheels (PS01000UK)
• Single lane, 16’ two-section handling race
• 7’ x 36” alloy gate x 20 (PS20500)
• 6’ Diamond gate x 1 (PS22200)
• Drop in gate x 2 (PS22400)
• L post x 4 (PS23700)
• 33” Swing back gate (PS21600)
• Yard holding capacity
approximately 250
ewes with existing fence
• Versatile - for on-the-spot
animal treatment
• Easily transported, quickly assembled
and operated
• Utilise natural terrain and sunlight
for better stock flow
• Maximizes farm management
Options:
• 0.9m or 1.0m high gates available
• Tool box
Basic Mobile Yard
• Includes:
• Mobile unit with 3 way drafting gate, winch,
drawbar, gate support arms, straps and 13”
wheels (PS01000UK)
• Single lane, two-section handling race
• 7’ x 36” alloy gate x 10 (PS20500)
• Diamond gate x 1 (PS22200)
• 8’ x 33” Uniboard Panel x 2 (PS25600)
• Guillotine Gate (PS22600)
• Yard holding capacity approximately
100/120 ewes with lambs
• Versatile - for on-the-spot animal treatment
• Easily transported, assembled and operated
• Utilise natural terrain and sunlight for
better stock flow
• Maximizes farm management
Options:
• Tool box
See pages 24-25 for case studies on our
Complete Stock Management Solutions
12

Mobile Sheep Yards
10’ Mobile Super Yard v2
• Includes:
winch, strong drawbar, gate support arms,
retaining straps and wheels (PS01100UK)
• Single lane, 16’ two-section
handling race
• 5’ x 36” alloy gate x 40 (PS20200)
• L post x 6 (PS23700)
•
500 ewes with existing fence
• 13” wheels for excellent towing ability and
ground clearance
Options:
• Tool box
13
10’ Mobile Yard Layout Option

Mobile Sheep Yards
14’ Mobile Yard
Includes:
winch, strong drawbar, gate support
arms, retaining straps, wheels and
toolbox, electric brakes and mudguards
(PS01400UKEB)
• Double lane, 24’ three-section
handling race
• 7’ x 36” alloy gate x 52 (PS20500)
• L post x 10 (PS23700)
approximately 1500 ewes
with existing fence
ground clearance
Options:
• Tool box
14
12’ Mobile Yard
Includes:
• Mobile unit with 3 way drafting, geared winch,
strong drawbar, gate support arms, retaining
straps and wheels (PS01200UK)
• Single lane, 24’ three-section
handling race
• 6’ x 36” alloy gate x 40 (PS20400)
• L post x 8 (PS23700)
approximately 750 ewes with existing fence
• 13” wheels for excellent towing ability and ground
clearance
Options:
• Tool box

Mobile Sheep Yards
16’ Mobile Yard
Includes:
• Mobile unit with drop-in gate,
drafting gate, jack, drawbar,
gate support arms, retaining straps,
wheels,toolbox, hydraulic lift jack
operation, electric brakes and
mudguards (PS01600UKEB)
• Double lane, 24’ three
section handling race
with 2 release gates
• 7’ x 36” alloy gate x 60 (PS20500)
• L post x 12 (PS23700)
2000 ewes with existing fence
ground clearance
Options:
• Tool box
15
Includes:
• 7’ Drafting Race (PS00700)
• Tractor Unit (PS07100)
• 7’ x 36” Gates x 10 (PS20500)
• 3’6” x 36” Gates x 2 (PS20000)
• L Post x 2 (PS23700)
• The standard yard can hold 150 ewes
when utilising an existing structure
allowing 2 or 3 way drafting.
• Add Drench Race components to suit
• For Tractors
3 Point Linkage Sheep Yard
This system is ideal when you need a mobile system to travel along with a trailer, it will attach
to the the front linkage allowing the livestock trailer to be towed.

16
Mobile Sheep Yards
3 Basic Layouts using a Double Drench Race

17
Mobile Sheep Yard Components
3’6” x 36” Alloy Gate c/w
pins (PS20000)
5’ x 36” Alloy Gate c/w
pins (PS20200)
6’ x 36” Alloy Gate c/w
pins (PS20400)
7’ x 36” (Std size) Alloy
Gate c/w pins (PS20500)
Diamond Gate(PS22200)
Back Stop (PS18000)
Guillotine Gate
(PS22600)
Multi way Coupling
(PS08100)
2-way Coupling
(PS08200)
Long Pin 670mm
(PF21202)
Short Pin 335mm
(PF21203)
L Post (PS23700)
Drop
in gate (PS22400)
Anti backing Gate
(PS22700)
13” Wheel c/w Tyre
(PSP6607)
8” Wheel Hub
Inc. Bearing & Seal
(PSP6612)
Mudguards for 13” Wheels
Pair
(PS12200)
Stud/ Nut for 8” Wheel
(PSP6616)
Stud/ Nut for 13” Wheel
(PSP6617)
39” gates are also available

Mobile Sheep Yard Components
Gate Retainer A Frame
(PS11400)
Gate Retaining Strap
(PSP1301)
Safety Winch
(Rope not included)
(PSP1201)
Safety Winch Nylon Rope
2.6m inc. Hook
(PSP1107)
Safety Winch Stand
(winch not included)
(PS11600)
Suspension Chains - Pair
(Inc spring and hook)
(PSP1103)
18
Weigh Crate Carrier
Allows you to easily transport the Prattley Manual
Weigh Crate on the back of a Prattley Mobile Sheep
Yard.
Prattley Tool Box
This handy Tool Box will fit
onto the front of your mobile
yard to hold your spare pins
etc.
(PS03100)(PS02600)

19
• Fully adjustable to suit any size ewe,
lamb or ram
• Sheep lie without struggling in a safe,
secure position
• Adjustable work height = No bending for
the operator
• Lightweight and easy to move
• Full access around rear of the animal and
feet for inspection
• Ideal to use in conjunction with Prattley
Mobile Yards or Handling race
Manual (PS03100)
Sheep Handler
• Available in stationary or mobile
• Lowers to operate at ground height
• Includes 6.5hp Honda Hydraulic Power Pack
• Variable speed with adjustable width
Specifications:
• Total Length: 4.4m
• Working Length: 2.3m
• Width (at widest point): 1.64m
• Foundation Base: 2.7m x 1.0m
• Towing Length (mobile): 4.8m
• Conveyor Belt: NVT-254 PVC Belt
• Diamond black 6.615 x 400mm
• Hydraulic Pack 6.5hp Honda Motor
With Mobility (PS05200) Without Mobility (PS05250)
Sheep Conveyer – 3.3m

(PS04000)
3-Way Manual Draft Weigh Crate
• Enables up to 3-way drafting and weigh recording
• Practical design keeps operator out of
sheep’s vision
• One hand left free to monitor stock
• Sliding gate moves easily and quietly maximising
sheep flow
• Simple no-tool width adjustment from biggest
ram to smallest lamb
• Flat plated feet for ease of use on a varied terrain
Left handed (PS03300L)
Right handed - Shown (PS03300R)
Weigh Crates
ID3000 Weigh Head and
loadbars not included, can be
found on page 9
2-Way Electric Drafter
The Prattley Two Way Drafter is silently operated by electric motors powered by a 12v battery,
and will operate on a fully charged battery for a full day.
The design eliminates having to have left and right handed crates.
The rear gates have vertical rollers which allow the gates to roll around the sheep as they
close or allow the following sheep to pull back without getting caught.
DRAFTING OPTIONS
Full Auto Drafting Mode
Indicator is programmed for two way drafting.
Sheep enter weigh crate, back gates
automatically shut upon weight on platform of
drafter, Indicator will then select which gate to
open.
Back gate opens automatically again for next
sheep. While in this mode you can override the
drafter at any time with the long range remote.
Auto Drafting By Remote
Indicator is programmed for two way drafting.
Open back gate with remote, shut back gate
with remote once sheep has entered crate,
indicator will then select which gate to open,
use remote to open back gate again. While in
this mode you can override the drafter at any
time with the long range remote.
ID3000 Weigh Head and
loadbars not included, can
be found on page 9
20

• Quiet Pneumatic operation
• Auto weigh/draft approx 600 sheep per
hour
• Conventional drafting with Remote
• EID compatible
• Drafting by weight
• Drafting by weight gain
• Drafting on EID tag database
• Drafting by sight (remote manual drafting)
• Selective weighing/drafting
• Selective by passing of weighing cycle
• Weigh-then-HOLD to allow inspection
before drafting
• Remote override of indicators draft range
AutoDrafters
The Prattley AutoDrafter is a powerful tool allowing a single operator to control weighing and
drafting of 600+ lambs an hour. The Prattley AutoDrafter coordinates with the external Tru-Test
indicator and loadbars to produce a seamless package.
The rear gates have vertical rollers which allow the gates to roll around sheep as they close and
the following sheep to pull back without getting caught.
The design eliminates the need to have left or right hand operation.
XR3000 Weigh Head and loadbars
not included, can be found on page 9
3 Way (PS04150) with Mobility (PS04100UK)
5 Way (PS04250) with Mobility (PS04200UK)
To see product demonstration
videos please visit our
online video library
www.ritchey.co.uk
21

Handling Race Components
For drenching, mouthing, dagging, ear tagging, selecting, foot treatment, etc.
• Lightweight, combining the strength of aluminium and durable UV stabilised Uniboard
• One person can assemble race and drench sheep quickly and easily
• Versatile combinations of single or double lane races, two, three sections long
• Large or small flocks handled with equal ease
• Easy to assemble and transport, fits inside
the Prattley Yard
• Width 33” (0.85m) variable by pivoting
one side
• Side release gates available to draft
sheep out
• Available in 33”, 36” and 39” high panels
Uniboard Panels
• c/w two pins each
4’ x 36” Panel (PS25400)
c/w coupling (PS25400C)
8’ x 33” Panel (PS25600)
c/w coupling (PS25600C)
8’ x 36” Panel (PS25700)
8’ x 39” Panel (PS25800)
Uniboard Panel
• 8” x 36” c/w Release Gate
Right handed (PS26300R)
Left handed - shown (PS26300L)
Handling Race
22

Small Farm Handling System
Can be used in conjunction with Prattley Mobile
Sheep Yard System or as a standalone unit
anywhere on your farm.
• Use existing fence to extend pen areas
• Drafting, drenching, dagging, tailing
• Lightweight and portable, easy to errect,
disassemble and store
Includes:
• 7’ x 36” Alloy gates x 6 (PS20500)
• 8’ x 36” Ply panel & release gate x 1 (PS26300L)
• 8’ x 33” Ply panel x 1 (PS25600)
• U Post gal 18” x 2 (PS24500)
• Drop in gate 18” alloy x 2 (PS22400)
Handling Race Components
Spreader - 33” W’
(PS23100)
Back Gate c/w Post 33” ‘W’
(PS28000)
Back Gate c/w Post ‘U’
(PS27900)
Spreader - 33” ‘U’
(PS23000)
23

Includes:
• Scissor Head Bail
• Strong Galvanized Steel construction
• Anti-Backing Ratchet system
• Non-slip perforated floor
• Stationary or Mobile
Options:
• V Squeeze
• Vet Gates
• Split Gates
• 3-way Draft Handle
• Full side release gates
• Mobility Systems
Cattle Manager
Cattle Equipment
24

• Alloy fabrication for lightweight handling
and strength
• Durable
• Unit packs flat, easy storage
• Quick and easy to assemble
• Head bail/loading ramp can be added
• Components also sold individually allow-
ing for customised layouts
Small Farm Cattle Yards
25

26
Standard Gate
• 2.7m wide x 1.6m High
• Approx.25kg
(PC15000)
Diamond Gate
Right handed - shown
(PC15100R)
Left handed (PC15100L)
Drafting Gate
Right handed (PC16000R)
Left handed - shown
(PC16000L)
Swinging Race Gate
• c/w spreader
Right handed
(PC15200R)
Left handed
PC15200L)
Sliding Race Gate
• c/w spreader
(PC15300)
Spreader
• 30” Alloy Spreader
(PC15400)
Alloy 2 Way
Coupling
(PC15700)
Alloy 3 Way
Coupling
(PC15800)
Alloy 4 Way
Coupling
(PC16100)
Personnel Gate
• c/w spreader
(PC15500)
Cattle Yard Components

27
Cattle Platform
• Lightweight Alloy
• Non-slip perforated floor
DIMENSIONS:
Width: 1000mm
Length: 2.4m
Height: 332mm
(PC11100)
Alpaca Gates
• Lightweight alloy construction
• Sold individually allowing for custom set ups
• Ideal for shows
• Can hook onto floats/ transporters
• Dependable and durable
• Easy to store
• 7’ x 48”
(PS20700)

Case Studies
Matthew Blyth of Didling Farm in West Sussex
knows firsthand how using technology has
driven his business forward. One of the first
farmers to really embrace EID he has proved
that collecting and using data can improve
decision-making and profitability.
“About seven years ago we started with EID tags and a stick
reader and used them alongside some spring balance scales
and a Tru-Test XR3000 weigh head” says Matt.
“Very soon we realised the huge potential of this technology
and invested in a Prattley 3-way auto-drafter with an EID crate
and some new Tru-Test load bars”. The new system meant
that as sheep entered the crate their EID tags were read and
their weight recorded. Using criteria already preset into the
XR3000 the sheep could then be drafted automatically by Matt
using a remote control.
“We built the system up a bit like Lego, but then we realised
that we needed an additional gate as there were always a
group of sheep or lambs that we needed to separate for some
reason, either because their tags wouldn’t read or they had
a problem that we needed to treat. We upgraded to a 5-way
autodrafter and now find that we use all five gates every
time.”
The reason such investment could be justified was due to
some immediate cost-savings in time and external costs.
“This year at weaning we separated 1400 ewes from their
lambs and batched them into four groups: ewe lambs, lambs
35kg plus, 30-35kg and under 35kg. That’s a big job on any
farm, but having the right equipment meant that I did it in less
than 10 hours with just me and the dog.”
Matt has two adjoining farms totalling 1200 acres in total
with only one permanent under-shepherd, but the system is
completely mobile and packs away along with 20 hurdles that
can be towed on the back of the quad or pick up. Because
it is so compact and lightweight it’s much easier to handle
the flock and Matt find that they are now weighing every two
weeks throughout the grazing season.
“By monitoring their progress regularly, we prevent over-
fattening lambs and can send batches to the abattoir more
frequently and that helps cash flow. Using the data we get
back from the abattoir through the EID tags we have worked
out that the killing out percentages on our farm differ from
some of the national averages allowing us to calculate our
profitability more accurately. We have also learned that
the deadweight differs with certain breeds of terminal sire
so we know that we can afford to send some lambs at a
lower weight and still make the profit we need. This can
be particularly beneficial in a drought year when grazing is
running low.”
Matt believes that there are animal husbandry benefits to be
had as well. “Almost immediately we started saving money
on the drugs we used – by weighing accurately and dosing
accordingly we found we were using less when drenching,
it might be only 2ml less per sheep, but over the course of
a year we were saving hundreds of pounds. Now that we
have data going back several years we have a clear idea of
the daily weight gain we expect on our farm and if lambs are
putting on weight fine we won’t worm automatically. If some
lambs aren’t performing we can do a fecal egg count and
treat as necessary, so it allows us to follow SCOPS principles.
We’ve also noticed that frequent handling means we pick up
on other health problems such as fly-strike and lameness
more quickly – and the data tells us that these kinds of
underlying conditions really reduce finishing rates if not dealt
with promptly.”
The long term benefits to having all this information is that
Matt, and the consultants he employs to help, can analyse
the past to plan for the future. “We’ve seen real benefits on
the breeding side of things because we can see within one
season whether a ram is doing his job or not. In the past we
have experimented with various breeds of terminal sires for
the bulk of the commercial flock, by looking at the information
we got through EID we learned that the best results on our
farm came from a local breed, the Southdown.”
“My boss wouldn’t have written the cheque for this equipment
if he couldn’t see that it would benefit our bottom line right
from the start, but it’s when you have a few years of data
that you can begin to see the potential to take your business
forward. The figures don’t lie, so for longer-term planning like
grass management and breeding programmes it’s invaluable.”
28

Case Studies
Robert Neill farms with his wife Jac, at Upper
Nisbet, near Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders.
They have a beef herd of around 300 Limousin-
cross and have found that weighing their cattle
at weaning and finishing keeps the business
productive.
Weaning weights are a vital indicator of the success of the
Upper Nisbet breeding programme and Robert believes
that accurate weighing early in an animal’s life can indicate
future performance. “Straightaway we can look at the milk
productivity of the dam and know which bulls are performing
best. When we’re vaccinating and worming at this point, we
also save money and ensure the best results by knowing
their weight – there’s no guesswork involved.”
Cattle go onto their finishing ration for the last 90-120 days, at
which point Robert weighs more regularly, “By weighing
every 30 days, we get essential information about their daily
liveweight gain and we know when they hit the target weight
for our customers and our profitability. Our cattle mostly go
to local butchers and because we have an accurate off-farm
weight it’s easy to calculate our killing out percentages”.
Robert started weighing his cattle regularly 15 years ago,
when he purchased some Tru-Test Heavy Duty Load Bars
and then later upgraded to a Tru-Test XR3000 indicator.
“When I first got the XR3000, I just played around with the
settings in the evening sat in front of the TV and I soon
got the hang of it. Although it was quite daunting at first,
it’s actually fairly straightforward, even downloading the
information into my FarmPlan software is easy.
Since then, he’s introduced electronic tagging, first using an
electronic wand and later incorporating a panel reader into a
new crush. “The system we have now is quick and efficient,
we have one man on the crush and one on the race. The
indicator is set up to register the information automatically
and as we don’t have to write anything down, there are
no mistakes. And it’s safer, too - the more automated the
system, the less stress for the animal and the handlers.”
You can view our product demonstration
videos by visiting our online video library
www.ritchey.co.uk
Straightaway we can look
at the milk productivity of
the dam and know which
bulls are performing best
“
” The system we have
now is quick and efficient
“
”
29

We offer in-house Service and Repair on the following:
• Tru-Test Electronic Weighing Equipment
• Clippers (Oster/Andis/Hauptner/Premier and many more)
• Dehorners
• PEL Electric Fence Energizers
• Pulsar Coaxers
• Prattley Animal Handling Equipment
We also offer a repair service on Serra Emasculators.
Turnaround timescales can vary, however you will be notified on enquiry.
Sharpening Service
We sharpen a wide range of clipper blades, scissors and needle holders to the
highest standard. We also re-align blades and scissors.
Customer Service
Our efficient Sharpening & Repair Department is highly experienced in this field and
use their expertise and knowledge to advise our customers.
We aim to:
• sharpen and despatch blades and scissors within 1 day of receipt
• obtain estimates and notify our customer within 2 days of receipt, and if go
ahead is given goods will be repaired and despatched within 2 days.
Tel: 01765 680847 Fax: 01765 689851 Email: servicing@ritchey.co.uk
Service & Repair
30

Contacts
Wales & Surrounding Counties
Allan Stroud
M: 07831 421772
E: allan.stroud@ritchey.co.uk
Scotland
Tim Waistell
M: 07711 210374
E: tim.waistell@ritchey.co.uk
North of England
Paul Hunter
M: 07789 953721
E: paul.hunter@ritchey.co.uk
Paul Croft
M: 07412 160349
E: paul.croft@ritchey.co.uk
South West England
John Garthwaite
M: 07872 409194
E: john.garthwaite@ritchey.co.uk
National
Arthur Harrison
PEL Electric Fencing
M: 07872 409193
E: arthur.harrison@ritchey.co.uk
Neil Pamplin
Prattley Animal Management Systems
M: 07812 355382
E: neil.pamplin@ritchey.co.uk
Customer Services 01765 680850 sales@ritchey.co.uk
Laura Hammond Head of Customer Services 01765 680829 laura.hammond@ritchey.co.uk
Amie McNairn North of England 01765 680833 amie.mcnairn@ritchey.co.uk
Sophie Ryder Scotland 01765 680838 sophie.ryder@ritchey.co.uk
Amanda Brown South of England 01765 680834 amanda.brown@ritchey.co.uk
Ellie Stainthorp Wales 01765 680810 ellie.stainthorp@ritchey.co.uk
Midlands
Rob Stubbs
M: 07831 421732
E: rob.stubbs@ritchey.co.uk
East Anglia
Liz Speller
M: 07401 054045
E: liz.speller@ritchey.co.uk
Sean O’Toole
Equine, Vet & Pet
M: 07724 380505
E: sean.otoole@ritchey.co.uk
31

Fearby Road, Masham, Ripon North Yorkshire, HG4 4ES
Tel: 01765 689541 Fax: 01765 689851
Email: info@ritchey.co.uk Web: www.ritchey.co.uk

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