Yards Built for Safe, Efficient Solo Cattle Handling

When it comes to cattle yards, safety, efficiency, and durability are non-negotiable, especially on farms where stock work often needs to be done solo. For Chloe Butcher-Herries, Farm Manager at Mathews Station in Central Hawke’s Bay, installing Te Pari Cattle Yards has transformed the way cattle are handled on the property.

Farming 530 hectares of flat to rolling country, Chloe and her team run approximately 600 cattle, alongside finishing lambs and managing a small breeding ewe flock. Since upgrading to a new Te Pari cattle yard system, everyday cattle work has become safer, faster, and far more enjoyable.

New Cattle Yard for Matthews Station in Hawke’s Bay

When Chloe arrived at Mathews Station in mid-2023, the property was transitioning from a sheep-focused system to a more balanced sheep and beef operation.

“Since I’ve come in, we’ve been able to change things up a bit. We’ve now got a brand new set of Te Pari cattle yards here that work so well for our farming operation, not only for us, but for the animals too.”

Designed to suit the selected site on Matthews Station for optimum cattle flow, the new Te Pari yard layout allows stock to move calmly and efficiently, reducing stress on both animals and operators.

The Te Pari SY111 yard system has a C-Force Pen, that makes it safe & easy to move cattle into the race and then Chloe can easily step up onto the catwalk to move cattle along the race and into the crush which gives her to safely control the flow when working cattle solo.

“The C-Force Pen has worked really well for us when we’re working alone in the yards.”

Te Pari’s C-Force Pen has a rotating gate that locks in every 200mm to the outside panels so it can’t be pushed back onto the operator by cattle. The gate latch is easy to use and offers extra safety because no one has to be in the pen with the cattle, the operator stands safely behind the gate.

This Te Pari yard design is easy to use with only one person working in the yards - a common situation on New Zealand farms.

The Best Cattle Yards for Solo Operators

With just two full time staff working on the station, Chloe often needs to handle cattle on her own. That’s where the design of the Te Pari system really stands out.

“You can literally be a one-man band in there. It’s efficient, it’s safe, and everyone’s happy.”

For solo operators, safety is critical. Te Pari cattle yards are designed with circular pens for good cattle flow, well positioned gates with easy to use slam latches and cattle-free working areas, allowing jobs to be completed confidently without extra labour.

“To be able to work in these cattle yards by yourself and know that you’re safe, and still get the job done efficiently, is a big bonus for us.”

Proven Strength That Stands the Test of Time

Durability was another key consideration when investing in new cattle yards.

“I did think, I hope these yards are really going to stand the test of time.”

That concern was quickly put to rest.

“You put a big 650-kilo bull in there and they want to scrap - these yards hold up. So yeah, that was really cool to see that because it did play my mind a little bit.”

Built from heavy-duty steel and engineered for real on-farm pressure, Te Pari cattle yards are made to handle everything from young stock to large, aggressive bulls.

All steel yard panels and gates come with a 5-year Stockbend Guarantee. If any Te Pari rail bends under lateral force during the warranty period, we will replace the entire panel at no extra cost.

Concrete Flooring for Safer, Anti-Slip Cattle Handling

Another major upgrade was full concreting throughout the yards.

“Our yards beforehand, you were knee-deep in everything, and it just wasn’t safe.”

Concrete has improved footing for both stock and operators, reduced maintenance, and made the yards safer in all weather conditions.

“It’s good for us and it’s good for the animals.”

The concrete surface of Te Pari Cattle Yards has grooves in it to provide long lasting grip for operators and cattle. 

Safer Load-Out for Stock Trucks and Drivers

The Loading Ramp on the yards at Matthews Station is much safer than the old ones and the trucking companies are happy.

“For your trucking companies, you want them to be safe and actually want to come to your yards as well.” Said Chloe.

With well-designed load-out ramps, that have steps instead of a sloped ramp, cattle flow better and truck drivers can load safely and efficiently because of the catwalk with handrail plus a flat top section that has gates to get into the ramp or shut off animals coming up on the ramp.

“A smile on their dial keeps the animals happy, and us too.”

Trusted Te Pari Quality, Proven Over Decades

Chloe’s confidence in Te Pari wasn’t new. The farm had already been using a Te Pari cattle crush for nearly 15 years.

“It’s so good. It’s stood the test of time, and we didn’t need to upgrade.”

That long-term reliability helped cement the decision to invest in a full Te Pari yard system. And, the success of the Hawke’s Bay yards has led to another investment.

“They’re working that well that we’ve ordered another set of yards for our other block about an hour away.”

Managing a combined 2,000 hectares, Chloe sees Te Pari cattle yards as a long-term solution across the wider operation.

“Do It Once, Do It Right”

For farmers considering new cattle yards, especially those working alone, Chloe’s advice is simple:

“Get your contractors on board, get your base layer right, and design everything properly. Do it once, do it right, and happy days.”

“If you’re ever interested in Te Pari cattle yards, I highly recommend them. Get on the phone and give them a call, they’re so helpful and really know what they’re doing.”

Looking for the Best Cattle Yards in New Zealand?

Te Pari designs and manufactures safe, efficient cattle yards for solo operators and farming teams across New Zealand. Built tough, proven on farm, and backed by expert support, Te Pari cattle yards are designed to work with your cattle, not against them.

Watch Chloe’s Cattle Yards in Action!