Finance for Livestock Handling Systems

Efficient and well-designed livestock handling systems are essential for modern UK farms. They improve animal welfare, enhance operational efficiency, and support compliance with legal and regulatory standards. Gable Asset Finance are industry experts in arranging tailored finance for livestock handling systems, helping farmers acquire the right equipment for their operations without impacting cash flow.

Why Livestock Handling Systems Are Important

Animal Welfare and Health

• Reduced Stress and Fear: Systems designed with animal behaviour in mind, such as curved races and solid sides, help livestock move calmly, reducing fear and distress.
• Minimised Injury and Suffering: Non-slip flooring, rounded edges, and thoughtful design prevent injuries during weighing, sorting, and veterinary treatments.
• Better Health Outcomes: Calm, low-stress handling improves overall animal health and performance, contributing to better growth rates, meat quality, and productivity.

Economic and Operational Benefits

• Increased Productivity: Efficient handling systems streamline routine tasks, allowing farmers and vets to work faster. Well-designed systems can nearly double throughput during livestock testing compared to older methods.
• Reduced Labour Costs: Organised facilities reduce staff requirements for moving and managing livestock, freeing up labour for other essential tasks.
• Improved Handler Safety: Proper facilities lower the risk of injury to farm workers, contractors, and visiting professionals. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) strongly recommends investing in suitable handling equipment.
• Enhanced Carcase Quality: Reducing stress immediately before slaughter contributes to improved meat quality and carcase yield.

Legal and Consumer Requirements

• Regulatory Compliance: UK farmers must comply with the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and welfare codes for specific livestock types. Non-compliance can result in fines or legal action.
• Meeting Consumer Expectations: Consumers increasingly demand high welfare standards. Demonstrating a commitment to ethically managed livestock builds consumer trust and market access.

By investing in well-designed livestock handling systems, UK farmers can create a safer, more humane, and efficient environment for animals and people, ensuring long-term sustainability and profitability.

Key Manufacturers and Suppliers of Livestock Handling Systems in the UK

Gable Asset Finance has experience arranging finance for all major UK and international livestock handling system suppliers, including permanent installations and mobile setups.

IAE

The UK’s largest manufacturer of livestock handling and housing equipment, offering extensive cattle and sheep systems, crushes, gates, and full stockyard solutions. Their equipment is robust and widely used across UK farms.

Bateman

Known for durable handling equipment, Bateman produces a wide range of cattle crushes, sheep handling trailers, hurdles, and mobile systems. Their solutions are built to last in demanding farm environments.

Ritchie Agricultural

Ritchie provides a full range of cattle and sheep handling products, from basic components to complete systems. Their products are recognised for reliability, safety, and ease of use.

Thorburn Group

Thorburn offers bespoke handling systems and acts as the UK agent for premium brands like Clipex and Premier. They supply hydraulic squeeze crushes, auto-drafters, and innovative mobile systems for both sheep and cattle.

Premier Handling Systems

Specialises in high-quality, heavy-duty gates, mobile systems, and stockyards for sheep and cattle. Premier’s products are known for durability and practical design for intensive and extensive farming operations.

Clipex

An Australian-engineered brand, distributed in the UK by Thorburn, known for fast, safe, and efficient handling systems. Products include automatic sheep handlers, V-draft races, and handling systems that improve throughput while reducing stress.

Arrowquip

A global company focusing on innovative and quiet cattle crushes and handling equipment. Arrowquip systems are designed around cattle behaviour, enhancing animal welfare and farm efficiency.

Finance Options for Livestock Handling Systems

Gable Asset Finance provides flexible, bespoke finance solutions for all types of livestock handling systems. Our experience ensures that farms of all sizes can acquire essential equipment without impacting cash flow.

Hire Purchase (HP)

Hire Purchase allows farms to spread the cost of equipment over a fixed period while gaining full ownership at the end:

• Structured repayments over 2–7 years
• Ownership transferred at the end of the term
• VAT can often be deferred on new systems
• Allows investment in high-quality equipment without a large upfront outlay

Finance Lease

Finance Lease provides flexibility and lower initial payments while allowing use of the equipment immediately:

• Lower upfront cost than HP
• Option to buy, extend, or return at the end of the lease
• Tax-efficient for many businesses
• Ideal for mobile or seasonal handling systems

Agricultural Loans

Traditional loans allow farms to purchase livestock handling equipment outright, spreading the cost over time:

• Immediate ownership
• Fixed or variable repayment schedules
• Suitable for both new and used systems

Credit Lines

Quick-access credit lines can be used for short-term or unexpected equipment needs:

• Flexible for urgent purchases or replacements
• Ideal for small equipment additions or upgrades
• Helps manage seasonal cash flow

Asset Refinancing

Existing equipment can be used as collateral to unlock capital for purchasing new handling systems:

• Generates cash flow for expansion or upgrades
• Reduces the need to liquidate assets
• Flexible solution for growing farm operations

Seasonal Financing

Some lenders offer payment schedules that align with farm income cycles:

• Lower repayments during off-peak periods
• Higher repayments timed with livestock sales or subsidies
• Optimises farm cash flow and reduces financial stress

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What types of livestock handling systems can Gable finance?

We arrange finance for cattle and sheep crushes, hurdles, mobile handling trailers, weighing systems, auto-drafters, and complete stockyard installations.

Can Gable finance both new and used equipment?

Yes. We provide finance for new systems purchased from manufacturers or dealers, as well as high-quality used equipment.

Do seasonal payment options exist?

Yes. Seasonal finance allows payments to align with farm income, making it easier to manage cash flow during peak and low seasons.

What is the difference between hire purchase and leasing?

Hire Purchase spreads the cost of equipment over time with eventual ownership. Leasing provides use of equipment without ownership and often allows upgrades at the end of the term.

Can I refinance existing livestock handling systems?

Yes. Asset refinancing allows farms to borrow against existing equipment to fund new purchases or improvements.

Are finance solutions suitable for small farms?

Yes. Gable works with farms of all sizes, from smallholdings to large commercial operations.

Case Studies: Livestock Handling Systems Finance

Case Study 1: IAE Cattle Crush Upgrade

A Lincolnshire dairy farm upgraded to a new IAE cattle crush and weighing system. Gable arranged a Hire Purchase plan with seasonal payments aligned with milk sales, allowing full ownership after four years without disrupting cash flow.

Case Study 2: Bateman Sheep Handling Trailer

A Scottish upland farm purchased a mobile Bateman sheep handling trailer. Gable structured a finance lease with end-of-season payments, enabling immediate use and flexibility for sheep gathering and routine health checks.

Case Study 3: Ritchie Complete Stockyard System

An East Anglian farm invested in a complete Ritchie stockyard installation. Gable arranged an agricultural loan, giving immediate ownership while spreading repayments over five years.

Case Study 4: Clipex Automatic Sheep Handler

A Welsh sheep farm required an automatic handling system. Gable arranged asset refinancing using existing equipment, unlocking capital to fund a Clipex handler without impacting cash flow.

Case Study 5: Premier Handling Mobile Cattle Gates

A Midlands farm expanded their mobile handling infrastructure with Premier Handling Systems gates. Gable organised a seasonal Hire Purchase plan, matching repayments to cattle sales periods.

Case Study 6: Arrowquip Quiet Cattle Crush

A Yorkshire beef farm invested in an Arrowquip quiet cattle crush to improve efficiency and welfare. Gable structured a finance lease that allowed use immediately with minimal upfront costs.

Case Study 7: Thorburn Hydraulic Squeeze Crush

An East Midlands farm upgraded to a Thorburn hydraulic crush. Gable arranged a term loan with structured repayments that aligned with seasonal cattle throughput.

Case Study 8: IAE Sheep Handling System

A Scottish upland farm installed a new IAE sheep handling system. Gable provided Hire Purchase finance, enabling installation and operation immediately with repayments scheduled around seasonal lambing cycles.

Why Choose Gable Asset Finance?

Gable Asset Finance are industry experts in finance for livestock handling systems. Our knowledge of UK farming operations, combined with flexible HP, leasing, loan, and seasonal finance solutions, ensures that farms can acquire the right equipment for animal welfare, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. We help farms invest in high-quality handling systems without compromising cash flow, improving productivity, safety, and profitability.

FAQ: Why UK Livestock Farms Should Invest in Livestock Handling Systems

1. Why is it important for livestock farms to invest in handling systems?

Investing in livestock handling systems improves safety, reduces stress for animals and workers, and increases operational efficiency. Properly designed facilities help move livestock calmly, prevent injuries, enhance animal welfare, and streamline routine farm tasks.

2. How do handling systems improve safety for animals and handlers?

• Reduce injuries: Facilities designed with livestock behaviour in mind, including curved pens and crushes, minimise risks of crushing, kicking, and other injuries.
• Create safe working areas: Many systems include squeeze gaps or safe zones for handlers to quickly enter or exit, protecting staff from potential harm.
• Minimise distractions: Solid cladding on pens limits external visibility, reducing animal stress and preventing agitation.

3. How do handling systems enhance animal welfare?

• Reduce stress: Features such as curved pens, quiet operation, and solid sides encourage natural movement, which lowers stress levels for livestock.
• Improve health: Lower stress results in better overall animal health, growth rates, and herd performance.
• Provide a more natural environment: Advanced systems often include better airflow, natural lighting, and more space, promoting a healthier and more comfortable environment for animals.

4. How can handling systems increase farm efficiency and productivity?

• Lower labor costs: Compartmentalised holding pens, non-return crowding gates, and sliding gates reduce the number of staff required for loading, unloading, and routine tasks.
• Save time: Well-designed races and pens allow faster, easier movement of livestock between areas.
• Improve performance: Calmer animals experience less stress, which can lead to better performance metrics such as higher average daily gains and improved production outcomes.

5. How do handling systems support legal compliance and funding?

• Meet legal requirements: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that many livestock-related injuries occur due to inadequate facilities. Proper handling systems are essential for meeting health and safety standards and reducing the risk of workplace accidents.
• Support farm funding: Farms with modern, compliant handling systems may be better positioned to access grants, loans, or finance from specialist providers, ensuring ongoing investment in animal welfare and productivity.

6. Are there specific design features that make handling systems effective?

• Curved races and pens to encourage natural movement and reduce stress.
• Solid side cladding to minimise distractions and keep livestock calm.
• Squeeze gaps and safe areas for handlers to enter safely.
• Non-slip flooring, rounded edges, and appropriately sized crushes to prevent injuries.
• Compartmentalised holding pens and automated gates to streamline routine tasks.

7. What are the long-term benefits of investing in livestock handling systems?

• Improved animal welfare and health.
• Reduced labor costs and increased farm efficiency.
• Enhanced handler safety and compliance with HSE regulations.
• Better product quality due to reduced animal stress before slaughter or sale.
• Positive consumer perception through demonstration of high welfare standards.

8. How can Gable Asset Finance help farms invest in handling systems?

Gable Asset Finance are specialists in arranging finance for livestock handling systems in the UK. We provide tailored solutions such as Hire Purchase, Leasing, Term Loans, Asset Refinancing, and Seasonal Payment Plans, helping farms acquire high-quality handling systems without impacting cash flow. Our expertise ensures that farms of all sizes can upgrade their facilities to improve safety, efficiency, and animal welfare.

Contact Gable Asset Finance today to discuss finance options for your livestock handling systems and ensure your farm operates efficiently, safely, and humanely.