Innovation brings the ram-to-ewe to boost efficiency and animal welfare in the shearing shed

An ergonomically designed, automated catching pen is boosting comfort and efficiency in shearing sheds by reducing dragging distances and allowing shearers to maintain better posture.

The innovative Ram-to-Ewe is an entry in the Henty Machine of the Year Awards by southern NSW stockyard and shearing shed design specialists, Flinn Design. 

This automated, pneumatic catching pen is suitable for all sizes of sheds, new or existing, and can integrate seamlessly into timber or steel layouts.

Flinn Design principal Simon Flinn said the Ram-to-Ewe not only improved animal welfare and shearer safety but reduced the overall shearing times for the grower.

The Ram-to-Ewe is designed to modernise old or poorly designed catching pens, at a fraction of the cost of either a new shearing shed or carrying out major internal modifications.

The Ram-to-Ewe comes in two versions – Instinct is a computerised version which regulates the speed and distance the gate moves over the run; and Manual, where the shearer controls the back gate with the push of a button. It is fully pneumatic with no need for any power. 

“During operation, the back fence (which can incorporate a gate) moves forward progressively, reducing the size of the pen, as the sheep adjust and re-arrange themselves,” Mr Flinn said. 

“This reduces dragging distances and allows for improved sheep handling due to the ever-reducing pen size.

“It enables shearers to maintain better posture and efficiently select sheep or pick their pen, potentially increasing the number of sheep shorn and reducing the overall shearing time for the farmer.

“The adaptable design supports both front-fill and back-fill setups, making it an ideal upgrade for sheds looking to enhance efficiency, animal welfare and ergonomics without extensive structural modifications.”

The Ram-to-Ewe Instinct catching pen is suitable for two primary types of applications.

“In new and existing sheds, the pen can be integrated into both newly constructed and existing shearing sheds,” Mr Flinn said.

“It is compatible with various shed materials, including steel and timber and supports both front fill and back fill configurations.”

Due to the Ram-to-Ewe’s light weight, the pen is ideal for portable shearing operations and its design allows for easy transportation and set up at different locations, making it suitable for mobile shearing contractors. 

For permanent installations, the pen is constructed from robust galvanised steel offering long lasting durability and resistance to corrosion. 

For portable applications, the pen is available in lightweight aluminium and features adjustable dimensions. 

“This flexibility accommodates various shed sizes and layouts, providing a customisable fit,” Mr Flinn said.

“The pneumatic system is designed for smooth, low-pressure operation minimising wear and tear while ensuring gentle handling of sheep. Flow control valves and a programmable PLC adjustable regulator enhance operational precision and reliability. 

“Operating at a low pressure of approximately 40psi, the pen provides gentle, controlled pressure lower than an auto drafter or sheep handler. Operators can easily adjust parameters such as speed, pressure and alignment to suit various operational requirements.”

Mr Flinn said Flinn Design provided ongoing support and guidance for obtaining spare parts, ensuring operators have access to components and expert advice.