Te Pari Auto Sorting Cattle Chute at Faulkner Cattle Company, Oklahoma
18 February 2026
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By Aimee Johnston
For more than a century, Faulkner Cattle Company in Ringling, Oklahoma has been adapting to the changing demands of the cattle industry. Founded in 1914, the family-run operation has evolved from a traditional cow–calf ranch into a large-scale feeding and processing business which now handles cattle numbers that demand precision, efficiency, and safety at every step.
By 2026, the Faulkners expect to process around 10,000 head of cattle per year, a mix of privately owned and customer cattle. At that scale, even small inefficiencies can quickly turn into significant costs.
That’s where the Te Pari Taurus Auto Sorting Cattle Chute has made a measurable difference.
Safe, Accurate Cattle Sorting at High Volumes
As cattle numbers increased, so did the pressure on the sorting alley. Manual sorting not only increased the risk of worker injury, but also made it harder to achieve the level of precision needed to maximise returns on each draft of cattle.
“With these types of numbers, it became essential to make sorts on the cattle very precise to get the most money for a draft,” says owner Mike Faulkner, a fourth-generation rancher.
The initial goal was simple: reduce injuries to staff. What followed was a much broader operational upgrade.
The Solution: Te Pari Taurus Auto Sorting Cattle Chute
After installing the Te Pari Taurus Auto Sorting Cattle Chute, the Faulkner’s quickly realised the system offered far more than just improved safety.
The auto-sort feature allows cattle to be sorted accurately and consistently without relying on highly experienced staff. Employees can now efficiently sort and grade cattle in three different ways, automating what was once a labour-intensive task.
“One of the most significant advantages is that ranch employees, even without the necessary experience, can now efficiently sort and grade cattle using the auto sort feature,” Mike explains.
Calmer Cattle, Fewer Injuries
Animal welfare has also improved. With no people positioned in front of the cattle, animals move calmly and freely through the chute.
“The pressure from humans is behind them, which keeps them at ease,” says Mike. “We’ve seen fewer injuries to our staff and cattle during the sorting and grading phase.”
Calmer cattle not only reduce stress and injury risk, they also keep cattle flowing smoothly, improving overall throughput.
Measurable Financial Gains
The Taurus Auto Sorting Chute has delivered a direct return on investment.
By enabling tighter weight control, the auto sort has helped Faulkner Cattle Company achieve higher average pay weights when marketing cattle.
“An extra 10 pounds per head now translates to an additional $5,000 per semi-truck load, based on a 50,000-pound payload,” Mike says.
At scale, those gains add up fast, making the auto sorting chute a critical part of the operation’s profitability.
More Time for other tasks, Better Use of Labour
Another unexpected benefit has been improved time management. With staff confidently handling sorting, ownership can focus on higher-value tasks elsewhere in the business.
“The auto sort allows us, as ranch owners, to perform other duties while ranch employees handle the sorting process,” says Mike. “That efficiency has been invaluable.”
A Family Operation Built for the Future
Faulkner Cattle Company remains a true family enterprise, with each member playing a key role:
- Dustin Faulkner oversees cattle procurement and marketing
- Jeremy Faulkner manages transportation and facility maintenance
- Michael Daniel runs the feed mill alongside Bryce Smith, who handles daily mixed rations
- Steven Wagely supports operations as ranch hand and welder
- Ernestine Faulkner and Office Manager Kelli Smith manage billing and accounts payable
Together, they’ve built a modern operation grounded in tradition, but powered by smart technology.
Looking Ahead
“What started as a safety improvement has become a major efficiency and profitability tool,” Mike says. “The Te Pari Auto Sorter has completely changed how we handle cattle.”
With cattle numbers continuing to grow, the Faulkners see the Taurus Auto Sorting Cattle Chute as an essential investment, one that supports safety, animal welfare, and long-term business performance.
