Cattlemen get $74,000 for work at Stratton sales barn

By Ken Johnston
Editor

The Rainy River Cattlemen’s Association (RRCA) received good news from the province last Wednesday. The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation announced a $74,000 contribution to a massive renovation/upgrade project at the Stratton Sales Barn.
RRCA President Ken McKinnon said the total project will cost over $200,000 with $74,000 coming from NOHFC, FedNor and about $20,000 from the RRCA both in cash and in kind labour.
In the press release from NOHFC they said the money will be used to purchase and install an auction software package that will allow for the implementation of a Radio Frequency Identification System at the barn. It will also be used to upgrade waterlines and wiring, replace fences, renovate exterior finishes and install a modern cattle handling system.
McKinnon said work has begun already and will take place over the next two years. He said that the work is long overdue. “Old livestock pens, posts and lumber deteriorated and need to be redone.” They will be replaced with new modern steel fencing and posts.
The electrical is badly outdated and will be redone to meet modern day codes. The same thing goes for the waterworks there.
A new modern tub squeeze will replace an old wooden one that often sees animals get stuck in which forces a dangerous situation. “People have to physically get in there with the animal to get them unstuck. Fortunately we have never had anyone seriously injured. The new system will prevent that danger.”
McKinnon is excited about the new RFID system going in. With the mandating of all cattle having to have the said tags they will be able to keep track of cattle much more efficiently. “Sometimes animals were able to jump from one pen to another. Now when they are read as they come into the ring it will be very clear where the cattle came from. They can be tracked from the farm gate to final destination.”
With the new wiring energy efficient lighting will also be installed. “That will cut down on waste and save us money,” said McKinnon.
“This is going to be a great thing for us and the district,” he added. “We are also in the process of hiring a new sales manager.”
Work on the project is well underway. They have ripped out pens on the south and east side of the barn. Progress is expected to go well. “We have to have it done by the first sale in early Sept.”
They expect the wiring and waterworks to be completed by then as well. The balance of the project will be completed next year.