Inside The Arrowquip Chute - Calf Testing

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

Mike...always great to get a look into your world on the Ranch....such a break from from everyday life here in North Carolina...thanks for what you guys do!

[@ronp315]

Maybe one day u do a collab with mike n see wat he does in a day n mike see's wat u do aswell now that would be nice to see both sides of points of view and u never no u might have a easier way to do things n might pick up on extra knowledge from each other

[@nathanbaker5773]

stoneyyy ridgeeee keep it up bro

[@nathanbaker5773]

so your gonna get herefords right lol

[@duaneconger2910]

Very nicely done Mike that's how you work calves and cows 🐄!! This handling system is awesome!! Again nicely done keep up the great work and I will keep watching your blog 😀 👍 😊

[@johnnorton2182]

Your raising those kids right. Few years you’ll have some darn good help. Best wishes and GOD bless from the Texas panhandle

[@wykeishacraft6820]

Nice little music while working with your animals. Great job for the family, looks awesome together.

[@WPRJersey]

Great job Mike. You actually looked calm. My hat goes off to you for not only being able to get the job done, but also great video coverage of it. That's double the work. So cheers x2

[@379insk]

Nice herd....Hope prices go up for you!! Good to get the kids involved at a young age too.

[@coraclements4562]

Arrowquip seems to be doing a good good making things easier for the rancher, this piece of equipment seems to trasform from portable to stationary really easy, now to make it more affordable, good job Arrowquip

[@fireman5879]

5,000 acres is a small ranch. I live in Wisconsin and own 35 acres near Medicine Bow, Wyoming that I`m happy to visit 1 week per year. I love Wyoming

[@Laurie_Tinsley]

I sure do wish I lived close by, I'd come and help on preg day just for the learning experience. I really like that arrowquip system, very nice.

[@mikehamilton3833]

WOW!!!! Mike that Aroguip system is great. You had the calves completely in control and you made short work of a big job. You could do the job single handed, but a little help moved things along. You had a good crew. Thanks for sharing.

[@PatricesProjects]

That system worked flawlessly. Well, it wasn't the system that let the calves shoot through. That is really cool that using the new chute system, it created a safe enough environment that your children can see and experience what you do there on the ranch.

[@BillTheTractorMan]

Great video! We never had equipment like this on the farm. We got kicked a lot, stepped on constantly, and struggled a lot more! The Arrowquip looks like a real life saver. Thank you Mike & Erin for sharing this and showing us this opportunity.

[@andrearamsey5559]

Enjoyed your video here in Nebraska. My Husband and I own Ramsey Ranch Supply in Bartlett, NE and have been dealers for their products since 2013. They are a wonderful company to work with and have awesome products.

[@ardurbin2]

Luv it, work smarter, not harder. Working animals is always easier when the equipment works correctly, that keeps the animals calm. Good job Mike & Erin. 👍👍👍

[@toddbrewer8215]

That is a great working set up. I suspect you already are planning a man gate so you don't need to climb over the panel. Great work.

[@ecleveland1]

I used to help an uncle that has since past work his cows. I wish we would have had a system like that. I hope some other ranchers see this system, it looks great. It would have been perfect for my uncle's farm and made things so much easier.

[@botodeov57]

Excellent insight to the ranch Mike...not only entertaining but educational as well...and Yes ...i love working by myself...too.....it's the only time i can get things done)) Thanks again Mike!!!

[@MrHutchMO]

Found your channel by accident. I am looking for cattle chute and found you video on Arrowquip. Great video!

[@garyroach3479]

U need to put scale in main chute where u catch the head Mike then u will get a good weight of ur calves bc we have same system here in Central Nebraska but we run over 500 head a year and we found that's best place to put our scale and seems to work better for us but it's just an idea ok back to cutting rest of our corn crop have a good week and be safe on the ranch

[@donazzopardi2721]

That's what I was thinking.

[@dylnbxtr]

Gary Roach I was thinking the same. But by having them in the crush, you’re not getting a 100% true weight either, as the head bail will be acting as something to rest on.

[@NorheimRanching]

We put a Tru-Test permanent weigh platform in the alley way on our portables. Works great and is always available when working animals of any size.

[@monthoward1293]

When we sell an Arrowquip chute with scales, we bolt the load bars under the brackets that Arrowquip welds onto the chute---the perfect measurement for the Tru-Test heavy duty load bars. Gallagher also has load bars that will work. With the full portable system like you have, Arrowquip makes a scale platform that is the full length of the 8' alley. There is a set of brackets to hold either the Tru-Test or Gallagher load bars underneath the platform.

[@steveware6325]

That is a great system. It won't be long until the kids are doing a lot of the work. I sure hope they keep the ranch and enjoy it as much as you and Erin do. Thanks for letting us be a part of it.

[@tracyjerred3384]

That was really interesting and in a weird way very calming. No bawling, kicking the chutes or shoving and the calves behaved really well too. Very educational for this city gal.

[@TK-qu1ht]

Mike and Erin…. and kids.... You do a good job at representting your work. It's fun to continue on with you.

[@kevinlesch9656]

I looked at the arrowquip couple years ago it's a real nice piece, heavy duty, easy to use, and the price ain't bad. It still can't beat my current chute in price though, it was free. For a while I thought I'd try to save up for Sioux but that's almost impossible for a small herd with their price. One of these days I'll give in and get a new one probably arrowquip

[@monthoward1293]

Arrowquip has just introduced the new 7400 series chute--very similar to the 8600, but $1500 cheaper. There is also a portable version much like the one seen here.

[@fuzzb4419]

I have the same system, just love it, wouldn't trade it for any other brand. Saskatchewan, Canada

[@ljpatterson1]

You give me a little bit of bliss, I miss living on the farm and this brings back memories Thank you, I married a city slicker who doesn't like going to a farm. I love your help!

[@feliccasampson5376]

Morning mike You always have great video. I really enjoy watching all your video. Keep up the great work. Thank for sharing. Enjoy this cold beautiful sunday.

[@rodneywroten2994]

Mike so glad you have this Arrowquip cute to make thing so much better for you and pretty much for your kids to get closer to learn. Thanks for you sharing your ranch. I really enjoy them

[@sergiomarin1793]

That cattle handling system is sweet

[@valeriewilliams1738]

This looks like a nice system. I have always worked all livestock calmly although some really do test your patience... I'm not selling calves right now either. The cattle market is so flooded at this time. Love the video's that you and Erin out up. This is my first time posting but have subscribed for a long time.

[@hanksfarmvideos]

Very informative video like usual. This is what our ag industry needs! Keep it up

[@davidjones6557]

Impressive one man effort, good job from your fan in Arizona...you are a great communicator

[@wykeishacraft6820]

Great work,Mike the farmer and animal Here ,way the Go 🙂

[@petermavus4131]

Aw chute wished I lived nearby to give you hand Mike but once again the OWL family got it done...glad I catched this vid

[@jusmeinia7]

I admire you and your family so much! Everyone is out there helping to make sure things go smoothly and learning at the same time, even the cat is there supervising!

[@CC-xk6cp]

Hi again! You and number 2 Mike and little ranchers in the rough! Once you got the rhythm all went good. Happy for you the quiet is back and the moos are calm again. Also happy no headache this time lol! On to the next project Mike.. Keep warm out there! Thx as always...

[@Classifiedreality]

Jerky on the hoof, as I said, KILLER jerky, thanks for the vid. Always enjoy. Keep on keeping on!

[@bourjhammoudsy]

Oh yes, Jerky was awesome! And the thank you note from Mike and Erin made y day.

[@mhernandez2419]

I sure wish Wyoming wasn't so far from Texas, maybe one day I'll make the trip to help you guys out. Just watching your videos makes me want to get to work. You guys make it look pretty effortless, which I'm sure isnt the case.

[@debrahchristensen9528]

Looks like a pretty s"moo"th operation! Glad it worked out - can't wait to see how preg check goes! Great to see the whole family out helping - love seeing the kids being involved...Have a great week!

[@tomcleghorn4005]

Wow the system sure makes it look easy. I remember getting kicked alot

[@mocattledog]

That looks like an awesome system. My favorite part of it was the moveable handle for the head gate. That would definitely make the system easier to use, especially when working alone.

[@norcaligirl8579]

By Arrowquip loaning you the corral system I'm sure you've taught them a few possibilities. That's what they gave it to you for. Your showing how adaptable it really is. That's a really nice system. We have the luxury of a couple teenaged kids. Sometimes it would be easier to do alone. Ranching is all about adapt and change. Every day, every chore is different day to day. I love reading suggestions people have. We have implemented a few along the way. We're still in our infancy as ranchers. Thanks for teaching us some of the ropes. Love you getting kids involved! Makin it a family affair. Few years you'll have help.

[@brentderksen]

I'm glad the experience was good for you, not screaming is a good thing.

[@kendaum102]

Stay safe and warm

[@jaystowater6746]

Mike, great video as usual and what a great corral system! Yes I agree corrals, chutes, and alleys have progressed so much in the last number of years thank to people like Burke Teichert, Dr. Temple Grandin, and Bud Williams. Low stress cattle handling is low stress on both cattle and people and it is the ONLY way to go! The best cattle managers I personally know design their working facilities so that ONE person can work by themselves without having to rely on help which as you know is difficult to find in this day in age. Glad you got the calves preconditioned and further along in the weaning process. Wish I could be there on preg checking day but life does not have that in the cards right now. If your in the market for a bull do not be afraid to ask this year because we will have some for sale!

[@OurWyomingLife]

Awesome, thank you very much - Mike

[@briancole942]

So glad to see the kids out with you. If the scales worked, McKenzie could have recorded it.

[@truckdriver8637]

Looks like an awesome crew to work with

[@OurWyomingLife]

The best! Thanks -Mike

[@misterb1492]

really nice looking calves,, not rangy at all, quiet and easy to handle. Good Job!

[@theresapetekiewicz1788]

I have got to admit I'm a bit envious of the life you have. You work hard but you have the love of your family around you. I thought it was great to see your wife and kids spending some time with you helping out. What great memories you children will have with them for the rest of their lives. It doesn't matter what struggles your family goes through because you are together and have each other. Then I think of the panhandlers looking for free money. They could learn a thing or two from you about work ethics.

[@susanchamblee2549]

Another great video Mike!! And after reading the comments - sounds like a couple of good ideas for weighing them easier. But then I’m just a little old Italian lady living in Idaho so what do I know...?! The ACR knows more than me...LOL!! Great family video tho...thanks again!!

[@fredthomson8145]

Hey Mike: This was a good one. It looked calmer than the last I saw. Would love to be there in a few weeks.

[@14Marathons]

Great video, Mike. Awesome to see the family working together and the kids learning... That's great new system you have.

[@lindajarrett5078]

Mike I enjoyed watching you and the calves. Your a hard worker even when its cold out, Your kids seem to enjoy working with you even if its a short time. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@garypollard9770]

Now this had to be a very calm experience because I seen that the cat was even part of this process! lol. Looks like corral and chute worked very well. This looks like it would speed up the working cattle and use fewer people.

[@wranther]

That is sure looking like a winter sky about a month too soon Mike! Seems to be a well planned system by Arrowquip for a first working test. Nothing like real time video captured advertising to move product sales along. Hope the Mfg sees that benefit too! -Bob...

[@andyh3173]

Great system and I like that you have a willing up and coming hand in your oldest daughter. Can't go wrong there dad. Great job

[@paulthomas2236]

Mike you never surprised me keep it up keep warm

[@osjr843]

I would recommend you change out the needle after a 5 or so claves. It maybe cold outside but there is less chance of the needle becoming infected. So the needle become dull after two calves. It can become painful for the calves.

[@gerhardblaszies9230]

Some great helpers you have there!

[@gordonanderson9988]

hi mike great video again,, i plan to keep my weanlings this year too sell them off in spring to grazers who buy for da summer,, great setup that chute ,,,keep ur country...

[@tonyburelle6633]

Great system, anything to make the job easier

[@cristianmorar5558]

Nice job....very useful that equipment

[@Frank-cj8fv]

Great video Mike! If I was A cattle man I would want a system like that.

[@chadhazekamp6952]

The arrowquip chute looks pretty cool

[@bourjhammoudsy]

Oh Wow -Mike, Erin, kids, cows and calves: you guys are amazing. I enjoy every single video and enjoyed more the BEEF JERKY... So happy everything went well. I so wanted to be there to help you... maybe one day. Sending you all lots of love and much blessings.

[@kathryngagne5813]

That chute is great! Safe infrastructure is definitely essential. May, I suggest a great book? "Salad Bar Beef" by Joel Salitin. By slowly implementing some of his methods, you may find an increase in your profits. Also Cody Hopkins and the Grass Roots Co-op. He gives a talk on YT where they have managed to cut out the middle man and retain more profit for the farmers. God bless!

[@SeanEasterling]

Mike, If i lived close to you, i would really enjoy a few days in WY. helping out with the cows and calfs. But Mississippi is a long way from Wyoming. I do however enjoy the content of "Our Wyoming Life" Oh! i'm sending you a License Plate for the shop wall. Thanks for Feeding America.

[@matthewbesecker4432]

Mike, we use a piece of plywood in our scale chute that is cut to size. We then zero the scale out and it gives us the closest weight without putting them on a larger scale.

[@paymaker11]

I really enjoyed this video! Thanks Mike.

[@CashisKingtrucking]

Looks like you finally landed that lucrative #2 pencil endorsement deal

[@OurWyomingLife]

It’s harder to get than you think. I had to take the SATs again. Thanks for watching -Mike

[@cew995]

Did you realize that those red plastic pieces “dogs” on each side of the chute are made to hold a pipe horizontally behind the calf. So put a calf in the chute slide the pipe in behind the calf as the calf moves forward onto the scale you can slide the pipe forward the plastic “dogs” will move up and then fall down behind the pipe. This holds the calf forward on the scale without its head in the head catch so it doesn’t interfere with weighing the calf. I hope I explained that clearly. They have a chute just like that at one of ranches I work for. It is well made and we haven’t had any breakdowns

[@OurWyomingLife]

Yup I know that. We demonstrated it when we got the chute. Thanks -Mike

[@cew995]

Sorry to waste your time I didn’t remember you had already covered that.

[@OurWyomingLife]

It’s all good. We didn’t really have to use it with calves. They moved right through. We will use it whole preg checking. If nothing else but to keep cows from kicking. Thanks

[@TheAlaskan308]

I'm sure you get questions like this all the time but have you ever thought about regenerative ranching? Something like what Gabe Brown does in North Dakota? A collaborative between you guys would be awesome to show from the start and the journey that regenerative is, plus no buying 50k worth of hay.

[@geo.miller7808]

So Mike, got an additional suggestion for you. You discovered the bar locking the Q-Catch system will slide toward the back on that upper bar, you could rig a calf guide the same way, and walk them both forward AS you head to the collar to inoculate and weigh.

[@johnjacobs4207]

what a wonderful chute

[@eastcorkcheeses6448]

There's a US product called easy wean,(part of a 2 stage weaning process) it's a reusable plastic paddle, that you pop in the calves nostrils, it stops the calf sucking, but you leave the calves back out with their mom's, no bawling and after about 2 weeks you can seperate them without stress

[@jdpower5552]

Sold calves today, sure enough one tried put her head thru the continuous fence sideways and bolt..smh. The head gate handle that slides looks really nice when you're alone. The red Angus calf was my favorite

[@gordonanderson9988]

lot farmers here in ireland only buy in early spring and graze to october some meal at pasture ,,,saves lot cost renting holding sheds etc ,,if dont have there own,,,

[@geo.miller7808]

Sorry Mike, got a 3rd suggestion for you so You hopefully don’t have to constantly climb the fence to move the calves in the hopper forward. Tie a rope to the outside gate, run it thru a pulley (for leverage) and string it thru to where your standing. That’ll hopefully encourage a calf into the chute, then lock out the rest. You’ll walk forward with the urger and lock it’s head in the catch. Bang, ya got it.

[@williamdegnan4718]

A #2 Pencil -- writes in manure. It's a crappy pun, but I respect that. 🙄 BTW, if you ever wish your folding tables were at countertop height, use PVC pipe lengths as stilts. (Think of me when your back doesn't hurt.)

[@Mike45-47Q]

I'm 6'8". EVERYTHING I have or build is at least 4 foot tall. I hate bending over all day haha.

[@harveyhelms7130]

I like Mike's videos and stoney ridge farmer videos also keep them coming

[@DRAGONFLAMINGHD]

So, i have a scale as you call it, but what i did was that i put like a table on it an level it, so i could get the right weight, with time all will work, nice video

[@kenbryant2570]

I love you videos Mike. If I lived closer to you I would love to come to the ranch and work with you for a day or two. See you on the next one.

[@Bridgton1]

This is a high quality very informative video. Thank you

[@ladyjay6741]

Awesome video Mike. What a great piece of equipment. I wish you well and hope you can afford it someday. trust me a good piece of equipment is like a good gun when you're out hunting, can't be without it. Tootles...Jay in Livonia, Michigan.

[@stojanovik69]

Wonderful Video. I have an idea for weighing the calves. Measure the area of ​​this interior of the Arrowquip (where you want the calves minus a small distance to insert the board better) 2. Use these values ​​to make a stable board made of wood / metal. 3. Weigh the board. 4. First the scales then the board on top. (Fastening rings on the board necessary). using the mounting rings, loosely place the board on the scale. So that the measured weight is not falsified. 5. Now you can easily weigh the calves. The calves cannot stand next to it. The board fills the empty space. Set up the scale centrally, then the board and then fasten it with a wire or string. If you have any Question 's ask free anytime !!!!

[@carlvieira9649]

Watchin right now .... Awesome video. Keep it goin... Sir . Howdy.

[@daveslusser6802]

Howdy Mike. While watching you operate fancy corral, it seems to me you can put scale next to head lock to weigh the caves. I raised hogs 50 years ago. There worse than kids, LOL!

[@MLou812]

About the scale, maybe center it in the chute and place a plywood sheet on it that can reach end to end, zero out the scale. Hopefully it’ll be stable enough to get the weight. Not sure if that would work but maybe worth a try.

[@BourbonDrinker]

Great show Mike.

[@tammysarrazin7078]

great video yeah i saw a couple slide by but you did well

[@Borolo33]

You are a good narrator, Mike. I’ve got a question. Do you have any dogs in the ranch to help you with the cows? I’ve seen quite a few episodes and don’t recall having seen any... Greetings from Spain!

[@spicydragonz]

Could you put a large piece of plywood covering the scale so that calves have to fully stand on it?

[@BethGrantDeRoos]

Any way you could take some pallets and a sheet of plywood to make an area for Mackenzie to stand so she could work the lever better and do shots easier?

[@jungojerry1658]

That Arrowquip system seems to do very well. And with your channel and your following, I bet there are other relative devices that you could get for free just for featuring them like this.

[@joanneganon7157]

That machine is really a beauty! Jo Jo in VT 💕 😊

[@turkeyhollowfarm1866]

If you can take out that brisket bar in the chute then put your scale in its place. Then run them calves into the squeeze and use something to pipe them to keep them from backing up and they should stay ontop of your scale! That’s what those red one way tabs are for

[@israelmathes6268]

Did you try to put the scale just behind the head gate? Let the head gate hold them on the scale. We used to do that until we finally made a bigger platform for the scale.

[@geo.miller7808]

Hey Mike, does that Arrowquip have a gate at the back entrance that could slide forward from the back of the calf? If you could rig up something like that, then you’d have the calf boxed in with it’s head in the restraining collar and both the front feet and rear feet of the calf on the weight platform. Then you’d get both weight and the inoculation done. Just remember to have the weight scale platform positioned just before the head lock.

[@69zenos1]

Another cool video..but, my toes are freezing just from watching. And it is 50 degrees here in SC. I'm sitting in my truck waiting for a load....hopefully to Texas and not to the freezing tundra where you are at.

[@montederrick3070]

I do have a suggestion for the scales if it would work. What about putting the portable scale at the head shoot if it will fit?

[@slagzone]

I love watching your videos