CALF_News_Oct_Nov_2018

20 CALF News • October | November 2018 • www.calfnews.net CATTLE EQUIPMENT Continued from page 17 Bob McPhail displays the most recent Lewis Cattle Oiler – 70,000 already in the field. Kenneth Spivey’s new Apache Range Feeder operates by remote control. JJ Neidig stands by the Lakeside Livestock Equipment Working Chute manufactured by his family-owned business. Continued on page 21  Lakeside Livestock J.J. Neidig of Battle Creek, Neb., talked with me about their family-owned business. Founded five years ago, Neidig’s father, Van, decided to strike out on his own after a 25-year career designing equipment for two other companies. The experienced entrepreneur serves only cattle producers, manufacturing mostly chutes and alleys. Lakeside Livestock is coming out soon with a smaller tub designed to facilitate cattle flow better than a large tub. It has been tested at area feedlots for the past two years and will be available this fall. In addition to the feedlot tests, a 1,200-head registered cow herd in South Dakota is successfully using the new product. Testing in the field is considered an important step to ensuring the usability and durability of the Lakeside Livestock products. Apache Manufacturing Company Employing about 60 people in the town of Norfolk, Neb., Apache Manufacturing produces hay feeders, creep feeders, portable fenceline bunks, bale transporters, range cube feeders and big bale forks. Kenneth Spivey gave me a close look at their range feeder. It’s a durable model with a chain discharge and chain drive. The new feature is a remote-controlled discharge, eliminating annoying hardwiring into pickups. The unit comes in a variety of sizes – 600- to 3,200-pound capacities. Field testing new products depends on the specific item. Spivey explained that Apache has customers all over the United States, some who have taken new products home to try out. Apache Company owners and dealers own cattle themselves and frequently test their own equipment. Apache is always looking for ways to improve their products. Spivey mentioned that Apache Manufacturing Company was one of the longest-running exhibitors at the Nebraska State Fair. MB Enterprises Rounding out our innovative finds, Bob McPhail of Fort Morgan, Colo., showed off the Lewis Cattle Oiler. With over 70,000 units in the field, it combines a heavy-duty frame with a back rubber, mineral feeder and face fly flap. It was manufac- tured in Canada for 45 years but has since moved to a Texas location. The most unique aspect of this product is the tank. The frame’s main post is an eight-gallon reservoir that holds insec- ticide for the back rubber. The insecticide or oil is pumped to the back rub by the action of cattle using the product. It’s rec- ommended that customers use pyrethrum classes of chemical and to alternate chemicals regularly to avoid insect resistance.