The creation of custom stockyards opens up a myriad of possibilities for agriculture entrepreneurs. 

Depending on the industry and the location, there will be scope to innovate, to push boundaries and to fulfil dreams. 

However, there are serious challenges and complications involved in this field, something that will be hampered by poor planning measures. 

Here are 6 official steps that owners should follow to secure sustainable custom stockyards for the long-term. 

1) Introducing Quality Infrastructure 

Given that the creation of custom stockyards occurs at the very earliest stages, it is beneficial to invest a majority of capital into the infrastructure of the premises. From the panels and pens to chutes, gates, crushers, feeders and beyond, these capabilities offer efficiency, safety and quality of performance in equal measure. Whether the designs are made from steel, mesh or welded for customised support, rural practitioners need to invest in systems that facilitate safe movement, control and management of livestock at any given moment. 

2) Compliance Consultation 

Industry participants who have the creation of custom stockyards on the agenda will appreciate the various legalities and insurance provisions that are attached to the project. This is where sound advice and guidance from compliance representatives will pay off and work as a beneficial investment in the long run. It is worthwhile reaching out and allowing them to offer key advice in this setting before any implementations or long-term decisions have been made, bypassing legal and insurance challenges before they even occur. 

3) Discussions With Experienced Stockyard Practitioners 

New stockyard operators who are hoping to develop a successful enterprise will need to connect with people who have the experience to navigate the challenges that lie ahead. Even if those conversations are only informal in nature, it will allow specialists to highlight any red flags, to schedule certain implementations and adhere to a structured approach that works in their best interests for the rural environment. Pick their brain about what works, what they deem to be effective and what processes to avoid. 

4) Calculating & Managing Space 

Depending on the location, custom stockyards may find that space comes at a premium, or conversely, they have more than enough to play with. The task for any professional in this environment is to know how much they have and how they are able to optimise it for futureproofing. There could be limitations to begin the operation with before new development and additions are scheduled by year two or year five. It is important to be clever with the allocation of space in this context. 

5) Requesting Quotes & Assessing the Budget 

It is easy to say that custom stockyards need to pay top dollar for the best infrastructure, but it is another thing altogether to actually pay for it. The financial component will be front of mind for members that need to be savvy with their expenditure and strike a balance between quality and affordability. Request supplier quotes. Review material price acquisitions. Take note of rises and falls in market pricing. If there are ways to minimise financial stress, it needs to be taken advantage of. 

6) Hiring the Right Professionals 

Among the many hurdles and obstacles that owners of custom stockyards will face during the planning and development phase of the project, it will be the involvement of quality staff that overcome any number of challenges for the short and long-term. From cattle to sheep or pigs to chickens, there must be practitioners who know how to look after their health, how to assess them for conditioning purposes and when they are ready to be sent to partnered services. Taking shortcuts in this environment will only expose those participants higher up the food chain.