The 78th annual Sandhills Cattle Association convention held recently in Ord played host to cattle producers from around the Sandhills region, as a way for them to catch up with friends and neighbors and talk about the latest in beef production. One of the highlights of the convention is the trade show. This year's convention produced two unique ranch innovations that readers might find useful in their day-to-day operations.

One was recently released from the S&S Cattle Co. in Herrick, S.D. As seen above, its new UTV fence crossing can be customized for several sizes and widths. Starting at $400, these heavy-duty crossings allow the driver to stay inside the UTV and drive right up and over fences. It is particularly useful for checking fences and cattle at night, allowing for convenient and safe fence crossings. If you want to learn more, contact John Smikle with S&S Cattle Co. at 605-830-6836.

Another innovation, shown below, is the new heavy-duty cattle loading chute from Curry Welding in Ericson, Neb. It offers a drill stem frame, with a quarter-inch floor, 16 feet in length. The solid chute weighs 3,700 pounds, and features a front swivel plate, catwalk and trucker's gate. There is a trailer loadout feature that can be added on. You can learn more by contacting William Curry with Curry Welding at 308-201-0120.

LOADING CHUTE: The new heavy-duty cattle loading chute from Curry Welding in Ericson, Neb., features a front swivel plate, catwalk and trucker's gate.