Farmers know that when cattle start kicking, time, patience and safety quickly come under pressure.

For dairy farmers, the TailJack has already become a trusted tool during spring calving - helping to restrain nervous heifers, prevent clusters being kicked off, and ensuring milking is safer and more efficient.

Now, following widespread adoption and proven success on dairy farms, TailJack is bringing its benefits to beef farmers with a new, purpose-built solution designed specifically for beef cows.

A proven idea, adapted for tougher conditions

The original TailJack was developed in Co. Kerry by Dr. Niall O’Leary, a former Teagasc researcher and now a researcher at Munster Technological University (MTU) Cork.

Having grown up on a dairy farm, Dr. O’Leary knew from experience that lifting a cow’s tail is one of the most effective ways to prevent kicking — but it usually requires a second person.

The TailJack solved that problem, offering a simple device that safely lifts and holds the tail, allowing one person to work confidently.

Its effectiveness was quickly recognised, earning multiple awards including Enterprise Ireland’s Agri-Safety Award at the National Ploughing Championships.

With dairy farmers now routinely using the TailJack during calving and milk training, attention has turned to another group facing similar, and often greater, challenges.

Designed for beef cows

Compared to dairy cows, beef cows are less tame, less accustomed to handling, and often more reactive, particularly when freshly calved.

Treating mastitis, fostering or transferring a calf, or carrying out routine interventions can be difficult and sometimes dangerous when working alone.

To address this, TailJack has developed a new beef-specific model, featuring:

A stronger, heavier-duty build, suited to well-conditioned beef cows;
Design features optimised for outdoor use, away from the parlour;
Secure attachment that works in yards, pens and handling areas.

The result is a tool that gives farmers greater control in situations where restraint is necessary, without excessive force or stress on the animal.

This can be especially valuable when:

Treating beef cows for mastitis;
Assisting with calf adoption or fostering;
Handling freshly calved, protective cows;
Working alone without additional help.

'It’s a second man to me' - Joe Hurley’s story

The video below highlights how the device is already making a difference on farms. It follows Joe Hurley, a new entrant farming near Inish Keane, outside Bandon, Co. Cork.

Joe returned home to farming after a career as a marine engineer, setting up a compact dairy operation alongside a demanding day job off-farm.

Last spring, he calved down 40 heifers in a tight window and has been milking them largely on his own.

Before calving, Joe was concerned about how he would manage if heifers started kicking, especially with limited time and no second person available.

“I’ve been there; sitting up on top of cows, tails between your legs, trying to tie animals back to rails. It’s dangerous for you and for them,” Joe explains.

Since using the TailJack, he says the difference has been clear.

For Joe, safety was also a major concern. “I can’t afford a broken wrist. If that happens, it affects my job, my family, and the farm. One injury would cost far more than the TailJack ever will.”

Beef farmers

According to the founder, Dr. O’Leary, expanding into beef farming was a natural progression.

“The TailJack has proven itself with dairy farmers during calving. Beef farmers face many of the same issues — often with less tame animals and in more challenging environments," he said.

"We’re delighted to now bring the benefits of the TailJack to suckler and beef farmers with a product designed specifically for their needs.”

As spring work continues and farmers face long days, tight labour, and high workloads, having the right tools can make all the difference.

Whether in the parlour or the yard, the TailJack is about making difficult jobs safer, faster and less stressful - especially when working alone.

For more information, videos, or to see if the TailJack is a good fit for your farm, visit www.tailjack.com or contact niall@tailjack.com.