Spring is very much in bloom, and for many in the agricultural sector, it is all systems go to ensure that you make the most of the season before summer and autumn change everything.
In many livestock sectors, particularly those involving cattle, March to May is the time when cash prices are at their seasonal high, with the summer season often also proving lucrative to farmers and shepherds who are prepared to take full advantage.
What this also means is that most in the sector have absolutely no time to waste with tools that are not suited for safely, securely and efficiently caring for and transporting livestock to market.
With our partners at Ifor Williams, we can offer the best livestock trailers for your business, with a decades-long reputation for versatility, robustness and durability. But how do you know which one is right for you?
The best way to choose is to examine your needs, your budget and whether you require specialisation or versatility more in livestock transportation.
With all of that in mind, here are some questions to ask yourself and ask an expert in agricultural equipment in order to steer you in the right direction.
What Do You Need From Your Trailer?
Ultimately, your animals will come first when choosing a livestock trailer, and any trailer you choose will need to ensure they are comfortable and safe when attached to your towing vehicle and driven to the local market, auction or trading location.
However, exactly which trailer you need for this role will depend on a wide range of factors. The Ifor Williams DP120, for example, is ideal for transporting a large number of sheep or other medium-sized livestock but may not be as useful for transporting fully-grown cattle.
With that in mind, here are five of the biggest considerations to make with your trailer.
What Animals Do You Expect To Transport?
Ultimately, animals come first in any livestock business, and you need to ensure that your trailer is suitable for the needs of any animal you need to transport. A horsebox, such as a HB Range, is very different from a trailer used to transport goats.
Some livestock need proper ventilation and high roofs to be comfortable, whilst others need tighter slats and secure canopies to stop any animal breaking free.
As well as this, bigger animals require larger capacities and weight limits for your trailer.
How Many Animals Are You Transporting?
The more animals you have to move at a time, the larger and more robust a trailer you need. The worst possible choice you can make is choosing a trailer that is not big enough for the purpose.
There are options available to make the most of your space, however; the DP range comes with Ifor Williams’ signature EasyLoad ramp and folding deck, perfect for carrying smaller livestock such as calves, sheep and goats.
How Far Are You Travelling?
The further you intend to travel, the more important the driving experience is not only for the driver but for the livestock themselves. Longer journeys on motorways and busy dual carriageways can lead to conditions that can potentially stress animals in the wrong circumstances.
In terms of controllability, this not only affects the type of suspension and brakes on your trailer but also the type of connection your trailer has, the ventilation in your trailer and whether you need to consider features such as easy access to water.
Similarly, if you are making frequent journeys, an easy-to-load, install and attach trailer is vital to ensure you avoid spending too much time getting ready to travel.
What Are The Road And Terrain Conditions?
Farms and agricultural businesses often have to deal with varying types of terrain, and anything your off-road towing vehicle has to handle, so too does your trailer.
Whilst most farms will ensure that the amount of time a trailer spends in mud, dirt or difficult gravel is at a medium, it could require you to choose a trailer with stronger suspension springs or higher ground clearance.
What Is Your Budget?
Trailers vary considerably in size, features, technology, design and materials, and choosing the right one for your business often means avoiding the extremes in terms of price.
Set a realistic budget, considering the total cost of ownership, remembering that great value is not always seen with the upfront price.
Sometimes a cheap trailer is the right choice, sometimes the most expensive top-of-the-range model is the right option, but look for the best value for money based on how you actually intend to use your trailer.