Top Tips for Herding Livestock with Your ATV/UTV
One of the best uses for ATVs and UTVs is on the farm. Along with these tips for using your ATV/UTV for farm or ranch work, knowing specifically how to take care of your livestock with your vehicle takes practice, patience, and procedures for safety. ATV Trader is giving you top tips for herding livestock with your ATV or UTV.
Find an expansive selection of farming four-wheelers for sale on the marketplace so you’re ready to control your livestock.
1. Simplify Work
So why use a quad or side-by-side for herding livestock on your farm or ag site? Well, because it can make your labor easier and more efficient by saving you time. It also gets rid of the hassles involved with herding while you’re mounted on horseback – an off-road vehicle is much less likely to have a mind of its own out in the fields or get spooked by an unexpected noise like you may experience on a horse. It’s also easier to open and close gates, as you don’t have to dismount and then climb back on the high saddle.
Tips for Simplifying Work
Before you set out and ride on the job, make sure you’re covering flat land that’s free of hazards like ditches or holes. Scout out your locations if you’re riding on rocky surfaces or through forested areas so you know what to prepare for when it’s time to move your livestock.
2. Control Your Herd
With the many uses for ATVs/UTVs on the farm or ranch, you know you can cover ground faster with a four-wheeler that gives you speed, horsepower, and control of the situation when you’re herding. You’ll cover more acres of land in less time, which is important in the event that a member of the herd has straggled away or is lost—you’ll be able to track them down and redirect them in no time.
Tips for Controlling Your Herd
When you ride, approach your livestock on your vehicle slowly and cautiously. Give your livestock space and a flight zone, or their own personal space. Moving the animal with the presence of the vehicle, usually behind their shoulder space, will push them along. Doing this in front of their shoulders will cause them to retract backwards.
3. Carry Supplies on the Job
Another advantage of using your ATV or UTV for herding livestock: hauling gear, transporting supplies, and towing materials. This includes items like feeders and water you might need when you’re on the move, or tools and materials for putting up or replacing fencing at the farm. You might also have room on your vehicle to bring along herding dogs, as long as they’re secure when you ride at fast speeds.
Tips for Carrying Supplies
Know your vehicle’s payload, especially if you’ve got equipment or supplies in tow. Read your owner’s manual or check with the OEM to see how much weight your vehicle can take on.
Search for used trailers on the market so you can get more work done while riding and herding livestock.
4. Practice Safety
Granted, ATVs can be a safe alternative to herding on a horse, but similarly you have to worry about falling off at fast speeds and roll-overs. It’s essential that you and your cowboys and farmhands always implement safety best practices when operating off-road vehicles.
Tips for Practicing Safety
Drive cautiously, mind your speed, go soft on your brakes, and know the land you’re covering so you’re aware of any hazards, including wired fences, rocks, holes, ditches, and standing water. If necessary, wear protective gear like a helmet, goggles or safety glasses, and gloves.
Next, make your livestock acquainted with your vehicle, so they’re sensitized to the noise and movement of your machine. Before your vehicle’s in action on the job, park the quad and allow the herd to observe the machine so they gradually become familiar with it. At first, keep the machine as quiet as possible when you’re driving, going easy on the throttle so you don’t startle your animals and cause commotion.
ATVs and UTVs are an asset for farmers and ranchers for herding livestock. When used correctly, you can stay safe on the job and move along more efficiently. When you’re ready to purchase your next four-wheeler for work or play, see all the new and used listings on the nation’s leading marketplace at ATVTrader.com.
Ryan Miller
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