Brand new for AgriScot 2024 will be two live demonstrations of the Te Pari sheep handling system from New Zealand.

Compered by two farmers using the systems in Scotland, the demonstrations will showcase how its automated technology makes it easier and safer to handle sheep, especially single handedly, as well as creating efficiencies to save costs.

The 45-minute session in the morning, Making it Easier with a Racewell Sheep Handler, will be compered by Cammy Wilson, well-known for The Sheep Game, who will share his experiences with this piece of equipment, focusing specifically on animal treatments.

Joined by Te Pari’s product specialist, Giles Devenish, Cammy will be demonstrating how the system has optimised drenching for significant financial savings on his farm, improves animal health, and reduces the physical demands of sheep drenching. 

The range of different systems are designed to reduce the stress of traditional handling both physically and on the sheep, whether drenching, drafting, weighing or crutching.

The afternoon session, Perfecting Performance with the Racewell Sheep Handler, is led by Aberdeenshire farmer Nicola Wordie (@Livestock_FarmHer) who will be discussing how the Racewell Sheep Handler has made her think differently on her farm. Alongside Te Pari’s Elliot Bailey, she’ll explain how the Macrostock Weigh Scale helps her to manage her flock more efficiently, making the system an invaluable tool when it comes to day-to-day operations and profitability. 

Nicola says: “We purchased the Te Pari Racewell HD4 back in 2022 and haven’t looked back since. With the Racewell you can do many jobs at once and collect so much data. It not only makes the job easier and more time efficient but a lot less physically demanding for both myself and the sheep. I now no longer have to manually write up data in our records as it’s all stored on the Macrostock, therefore streamlining my efficiency with my workload.”

“I also really like the fact that the dosing gun can automatically alter medication doses based on the weight of the animal,” she goes on to explain. “I’d really encourage anyone with a sheep flock who is considering purchasing a new piece of equipment to help on their farms to go along to the Te Pari stand at AgriScot and try out the machinery for yourself! I promise you won’t look back!”

Te Pari began as a small business started by Peter French in West Auckland, New Zealand in 1980. Unsatisfied with the existing docking irons on the market, in true Kiwi fashion, he set out to design and build his own. He and his family continued to develop the concept and the products, as have the Blampied family who bought the company in 1997. The Blampeids have expanded Te Pari’s range over the years and grown the business into a world-leading supplier of livestock handling equipment for sheep and cattle.

With growing demand for automated handling, more farmers are recognising the benefits that different systems offer. Te Pari will be demonstrating the Racewell at AgriScot 2024 looking at its potential for time and labour savings, as well as animal welfare and return on investment.

“Our aim is to be constantly developing solutions that make life on the farm easier and safer, as well as maximising profitability,” explains Giles.

“This is becoming increasingly important as labour becomes more scarce and costs rise and using technology and smart systems are key. We have installed a number of Te Pari units around Scotland, Ireland and the UK and are very much looking forward to being at AgriScot to meet other farmers who are looking at options to improve systems at home. We are also very pleased to be showcasing our products with Cammy and Nicola – there are no greater ambassadors and people to get genuine answers from than those that use them and see the benefits.”

The Barclay Brothers from This Farming Life will be helping out with both sessions.

The 45-minute demonstrations will be at 10.30am and 2pm.