Innovative farmer-friendly design takes the strain our of rearing
As the calving season approaches, the risk of injuries for dairy farmers increases so Gallagher collaborated with industry partners and farmers to tackle the issue head-on.
DairyNZ’s three-year Reducing Sprains and Strains project, with industry partners including Gallagher, resulted in the Gallagher Easy-Access Calf Pen Gate, designed to reduce strains and sprains for farmers during calving season.
The three-year project was an initiative to understand the common causes of injuries on dairy farms and develop practical solutions for farmers. The project was funded by ACC’s Workplace Injury Prevention Grants programme, with co-investment from DairyNZ.
The physical nature of farming means that even when health and safety are prioritised, preventable sprains and strains still happen. In 2022 and 2023, about 1500 claims, totalling $5–6 million, were lodged with ACC each year. Most injuries were to the back, often from calf-related activities, including lifting heavy objects like calves, buckets, or bags of meal.
Darrell Jones, Gallagher general manager New Zealand and Chile, says the company’s new Easy-Access Calf Pen Gate was one resulting innovation from the project.
“At Gallagher, we’re committed to working with industry partners and our farmers to innovate and bring them products that make farming smarter—from data-driven insights to new products like the Calf Pen Gate that support our farmers' safety and well-being,” says Jones.
The Easy-Access Calf Pen Gate was developed involving farm owners, employees, health and safety experts, and engineers.
Critical to the gate’s success was the refining and testing of prototypes based on farmer feedback—ensuring the gates were not only effective but also met the specific needs of different farm types across NZ.
“Like all Gallagher products, we tested the gates rigorously with farmers to make sure we are delivering solutions that work in their businesses and products they need on the ground,” says Jones.
“Trial farmers liked the hands-free aspect of the gate which allows them to push through the gate rather than unlatching it while handling calves or buckets and feed.
It also removed the need to lift heavy buckets or feed over the gate.
They said the gates made moving calves easier, significantly lowering the level of exertion needed to do their job, which is key in preventing strains and sprains.”
Sprain and strain injuries, especially during spring calving, account for around 40 per cent of dairy farm injuries.
The new gate is now in production as a direct result of Gallagher collaborating on DairyNZ’s project.
“At Gallagher, innovation is our DNA and we believe the solutions to many of the challenges our farmers face can be met by industry working alongside farmers to develop the solutions they need,” says Jones.
“The Calf Pen Gate is also part of Gallagher’s commitment to farmer safety and wellbeing. We’re committed to bringing products to market that make a real difference for farmers.”