Doing More in Less Time with a Te Pari Sheep Handling System
9 January 2026
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By Aimee Johnston
“Well-designed sheep handling facilities have completely changed the way we work,” says Nicola Wordie, also known as Livestock FarmHER. “It’s made my life a lot simpler, a lot less stressful, and much more enjoyable - for both me and the sheep.”
Nicola upgraded her sheep handling system by combining a Te Pari Racewell Sheep Handler with a Veno Sheep Handling System, creating a flexible, efficient setup that fits perfectly within a multi-purpose shed.
The Challenge: Making Sheep Handling Easier and Safer
Running a large sheep enterprise requires sheep handling facilities that are safe, efficient, and adaptable. Before upgrading, sheep work was more physical and time-consuming, particularly when handling large mobs.
“We were looking to improve our system and make sheep handling easier,” Nicola explains. “We wanted something that would flow well, be safe, and work within our shed - but also be temporary so we could use the space for different jobs throughout the year.”
The farm needed a sheep handling system that could:
- Reduce physical effort
- Improve stock flow
- Be operated safely by one person
- Be installed and removed as needed
The Solution: Te Pari Racewell Sheep Handler and Veno Sheep Handling System
After purchasing a Te Pari Racewell Sheep Handler in 2022, Nicola worked closely with the Te Pari and Veno teams to design a system that would suit the shed layout and day-to-day requirements.
“They were happy to help us design a setup that worked in our shed and was completely temporary,” she says. “That flexibility was really important for us.”
The result was a fully integrated sheep handling system using Veno forcing and race components feeding smoothly into the Te Pari Racewell Sheep Handler.
How the Sheep Handling System Works
Sheep enter the shed and are managed through dividing sections that allow large mobs to be broken into smaller, safer groups.
“If we have a big batch of sheep in, we can split them up, so everything stays calm and controlled,” Nicola explains.
From there, sheep flow into an S-race before entering a sheeted double race and then moving single-file into the Te Pari Racewell Sheep Handler.
“The flow is brilliant,” says Nicola. “They run in every time, flow right around, and go straight into the Racewell. There’s just a continual stream of sheep.”
Key Benefits of the Sheep Handling Facilities
Less Physical, More Efficient Work
“There’s a lot less physical effort involved now,” Nicola says. “I can work in the shed by myself with my three dogs, and everything just flows.”
The improved sheep handling facilities allow routine jobs such as drafting, weighing, and treatments to be completed faster and with fewer people.
Improved Safety for People and Stock
One standout feature is the livestock-free working area built into the design.
“This gives us much better safety,” Nicola explains. “It keeps people out of the stock flow and gives us space to work and store gear if we need to.”
Calmer Sheep and Better Flow
The design of the Veno system combined with the Racewell handler encourages calm sheep movement.
“You can hold smaller batches safely, keep the dogs behind them, and not interrupt the flow,” Nicola says. “The sheep are calm, secure, and moving well.”
Flexible, Temporary Sheep Handling Facilities
Another major advantage is that the entire sheep handling system is temporary.
“Everything can come out and be removed,” Nicola explains. “It takes about half a day to pull it all out and roughly the same to put it back in. It’s very simple and straightforward.”
This allows the shed to be reused for other stock or seasonal work, making the sheep handling facilities highly adaptable.
Great Support from Te Pari and Veno
“The whole process was made easy by the Te Pari and Veno teams,” Nicola says. “They were quick to design it, get it made, ship it over, and then help us install it. They also showed us exactly how to set it up and take it down.”
This hands-on support ensured the system worked as intended from day one.
The Result: A Better Sheep Handling System
“Now, I’d be lost without this setup,” Nicola says. “It has completely transformed our sheep system.”
The upgraded sheep handling facilities have delivered:
- Faster throughput
- Reduced labour requirements
- Improved safety and animal welfare
- A calmer, more enjoyable working environment
Investing in the Right Sheep Handling Facilities
If you’re looking to upgrade your sheep handling system, a Te Pari Racewell Sheep Handler with a Veno Sheep Handling System is a great option.
“It’s made everything simpler and easier,” Nicola says. “If you’re thinking about upgrading your sheep handling facilities, I’d definitely recommend talking to Te Pari and Veno to see what could work for your setup.”
Contact Te Pari today for advice, system design, and pricing on modern sheep handling facilities.
