When it comes to calf rearing and pen setups, there’s no shortage of advice for farmers, from feeding, bedding, ventilation, hygiene and more. But in our chats with farmers we’ve noticed that many aren’t looking for the flashiest of setups.
Our customers want something that’s easy to work in and cost-effective. They’re keen on a calf pen setup that works well during the busy spring period but can then be packed away when the season is over. They want something that’s flexible to strip out the penning afterwards so the shed can be repurposed for machinery storage or wintering.
That’s where our farm gates come into their own.
A practical way to create calf pens
Using standard farm gates to create calf pens within an existing shed has become a popular option for many farmers.
Rather than building permanent pens, farmers can use gates to divide up an open shed into calf-rearing areas sized to suit their operation. Once calves have moved on, the gates can be removed, stacked away for next season, or put to work elsewhere around the farm.
Many farmers we’ve talked to have designed their space to be a useful farm asset all year - not just in spring.
Making life easier during a busy season
Anyone who has reared calves knows how many times a day you’re moving through the shed with milk, meal, buckets, hoses, or bedding.
A well-planned gate layout can help create clear feeding lanes, make calves easier to monitor, and simplify cleaning.
DairyNZ recommends calf housing that is easy to manage, well ventilated, and provides calves with a clean, comfortable environment. Good pen design plays an important role in achieving that. DairyNZ also have some excellent design tips on their site.
Many farmers also use gate layouts that allow feed and water to be positioned at the front of the pen, helping to keep bedding areas cleaner and drier.
Why galvanised gates make sense
Calf sheds are tough environments. Gates are exposed to moisture, wash downs, bedding, and daily use throughout the season.
Jolt Farm Gates are hot dip galvanised to help withstand New Zealand farming conditions and provide years of reliable service. They stand at 1.1m high, making them well suited for temporary calf pens inside sheds while still providing good visibility and easy access for feeding and animal checks.
Features include:
- Heavy-duty galvanised construction
- 1.1m height
- 33.4mm x 1.7mm pipe frame
- 8mm bars for added strength
- Supplied with latch & hinges
- Suitable for both temporary and permanent pen layouts
Once calving is finished, the same gates can be used elsewhere on the farm, making them a versatile investment rather than a single-purpose asset.
Don’t forget the gudgeons
A good gate setup starts with quality hardware. All our gudgeons are hot-dipped galvanised
Using the right gudgeons helps ensure gates swing freely, hang correctly, and stand up to repeated use throughout the season. Whether you’re creating a temporary calf-rearing area or a more permanent arrangement, quality gate hardware makes installation easier and improves long-term performance.
Built for flexibility
Every farm is different, which is why many farmers prefer a setup they can adjust as calf numbers change throughout the season.
Farm gates make it easy to create pens of different sizes, reconfigure layouts when needed, and remove everything once the shed is required for another purpose.
Sometimes the best calf pen isn’t the most complicated one. It’s the one that’s safe, practical and flexible enough to adapt to the demands of the season.
If you’re planning your calf-rearing setup, talk to the team about Jolt Farm Gates and gate hardware. We'd be happy to help you create a system that works for your farm.