Prods Yes or No

[farmerjon]

Who uses them and how often?

Until now I have never thought to use one, but when loading cattle it seems the lounge whip I have been using to tap them in the butt with isn't working as well.

Hope everyone is having a good spring

[francismilker]

I don't use a prod of any kind. I handle my cattle often and they respond to a slap on the rear and a simple "haw!" at a raised voice level. When I do get a cow that don't respond to being scared into the trailer, I pour a bucket of corn chops on the trailer floor and she hops in!

[gone-a-milkin]

A good dog will load em quicker than anything else.

[Gregg Alexander]

Depends on the cattle. I use a cowdog , but do use a cattle prod when necessary. I have loaded 1000's of hd of cattle over the yrs and nothing really works best as a good cowdog.

[rancher1913]

I'll use one but only as a last resort, usually after I've tried all the above.

[Ronney]

I don't own one and have no need of one as like Francis, my cattle are handled on either a daily basis (milking cows) or frequently (beef stock). When a stock truck driver sallies up with his prodder I tell him to put it away and to put himself out of the way and I'll load them. I've had enough of gung ho stock truck drivers that have nearly had me mashed into the rails by a bull by stupid behaviour. And yes, I complained to the company involved.

However, having said that, my cattle are not run cattle and are in small numbers. Moving run cattle within yards or trying to get them on to a truck can be a very trying business and the judicious use of a prodder doesn't go amiss. For the average farmer, they are not necessary - my opinion.

Cheers,
Ronnie

[randiliana]

We don't own one, but there are times when having one would be nice. In most circumstances I don't think they are needed, and I have seen times where the person with the prod should have had it used on himself. But used judiciously, they can be a great assistance.

ps, it's hard to load cattle onto a cattle liner with a bucket of grain.....

[tinknal]

Totally depends on proportions. If you have a few fairly tame cattle you don't need it. If you are moving and handling large groups of semi wild cattle they are a real help and can keep you safe by not having to get on a pen or a chute with them.

[Allen W]

They are an effective tool when used properly and at the right time, like making them take that step into the trailer. A light hand on the button is best.