A new mobile sheep handling system which can simply be moved around via the front forks on a tractor loader and the like, is new to the market.

The NZ-made Forklift Porta-Yards, with no towing required, is now available in the UK via Wise Agriculture. Claimed as a market first, these feature a 2.5m steel race frame with fork slots to transport with either a telehandler, or loader tractor. The race frame also features a rubber floor and three-way drafting.

“The Forklift Porta-Yards is the first mobile sheep handling unit on the market that doesn’t require towing for transportation,” says Edward Wise, of Wise Agriculture, the UK distributor.

“Without the need to remove wheel kits for use and put them back on for towing, set-up and repacking the mobile sheep unit is significantly quicker with minimal effort. Transportation via forklifts also allow for the sheep yards to be used by producers who don’t own quads or want to take their livestock trailer on the back of the tractor and sheep yard on the front.”

The system is available in two sizes – 100-head and 250-head capacities – and units come standard with 1m high New Zealand alloy hurdles, with a solid top section. This solid section acts as a visual barrier to keep sheep from jumping while also protecting the legs of working dogs.

Up to 10 hurdles can be stacked on either side of the 2.5m steel unit and the set-up features a tapered V-race with integrated three-way drafting and a rubber floor. Units come with a 2.1m long swinging forcing gate with the option of a dosing race.

Units also come with L braces and three-way joiners to give producers multiple set-up options and pen strength.

“As more arable farmers integrate livestock into their crop rotations, the Forklift Porta-Yards are ideal for those without a way to tow a mobile sheep yard in the field,” said Mr Wise. “It is also a great option for producers on ring-fenced sites without several miles of travel between land parcels.”

The Porta-Yards feature a four-year warranty from Landquip NZ and the 100-head capacity model is priced at £4512, with components able to be purchased separately to increase capacity at a later date. The 250-head capacity unit is priced at £6685 – with both prices plus VAT.