Across the Canadian prairies, producers rely on their digital cattle scales to ensure consistent readings that support weight monitoring, internal tracking, and sales. Regular use naturally exposes cattle scales to challenges that can affect accuracy. Fortunately, with proper care, these livestock scales can help provide precise measurements and reliable operation for years to come. So, what steps can you take to ensure your digital cattle scale remains fully functional and accurate?
In this short blog with Accurate Scale, let’s get a clearer read on maintaining upkeep on your digital cattle scale. Continue with us below to learn more.
Clean & Clear the Area Regularly
There’s no way around it: livestock farms can get dirty. And while your cattle may be fond of mud and grass, the results are often less than stellar near the weighing platform.
Scales perform most accurately when the weighing area is clear. Make it a point to regularly inspect your digital cattle scale and the area around it after each use. If you notice any mud, ice, dirt, or debris on or around the scale, remove it. Keep a special eye on the more sensitive parts of the digital cattle scale as well, such as the indicator. If you notice any dirt or debris, clean it off immediately.
Proper Usage During Operation
To get the most accurate results, you’ll also want to ensure you’re using your livestock scale properly. While cattle scales can be used in pastures and outdoor areas, it’s crucial to ensure the ground under is flat and well-compacted.
As well, make it a habit to use the ‘tare’ function on the scale to ensure it’s fully zeroed before each weighing.
Protect & Store It Properly
While livestock scales can be used outdoors for easy weighing, the instrumentation for them should be stored indoors. Scales have many sensitive components that can easily degrade. If you’re looking to further protect the scale, you can also use a protective coating to shield against rust, manure, and other contaminants.
After each use, store your digital cattle scale instrumentation indoors to protect it from rain, snow, wind, and other elements. Digital cattle scales don’t need to be placed anywhere special; a shed or barn will do just fine. For additional protection from dust, lay a tarp or protective cover over it.
Stay On Top of Calibration
A scale is only as accurate as its last calibration. While this may sound like an exaggeration, it’s often a closer reality than many think. Owning your own digital cattle scale is a significant asset for producers. Not only are you able to protect your bottom line better by mitigating against animal shrinkage, but you’re also afforded further flexibility when it comes to weighing throughout the season.
That said, digital cattle scales are like any other weighing device. If it goes too long without calibration, these benefits go out the window. It’s crucial to have your digital cattle scale calibrated regularly, especially if you aim to maintain required certifications. For many Legal for Trade scales, this is typically at least once a year.
Simply bring your digital cattle scale to a certified scale technician, and they’ll calibrate it back to an accurate base.
Confidently Measure with Accurate Scale
With nearly 50 years of experience supporting Prairie producers and agricultural operations, Accurate Scale is your reliable partner for all your industrial weighing needs.
We’re a proud licensed dealer of Rice Lake livestock scales, including portable and permanent options. Browse our selection of legal-for-trade livestock scales, and reach out to us to learn more about how we can help you find the right solution for your business.