New cattle yards at Midfield’s Warrnambool abattoirs feature automatic air-operated drafting systems.
Midfield’s Sean Waterson said the new yards replaced the previous set, which were more than 50 years old in some sections.
“We had been doing some basic upgrades to the former yards over the past five years or so but it was always Midfield’s intention to build new yards in time,” Sean said.
“They are located beside the railway tracks, where the dirt pens used to be. There was already a big shed covering the previous pens, this has been extended now to cover the new yards in their entirety.
“These yards also have a smaller footprint than the previous ones, largely possible because of the automated processes that have been put in place.”
The new yards feature a three-way automated drafting system, which is fully air operated.
“This makes the job easier and safer for our staff. The OH&S benefits that come with the new yards are great.
“We now have walkways on top of the yards, which eventually will remove the need for staff and truck drivers to be in the pens – it’s just our core droving team that are in the yards.
“We’re also in the process of adding automatic gates.”
