Name: A final look round the machinery stands at this year's Balmoral Show
Uploaded: 2026-11-02T12:03:18.000Z
Duration: 1 min 10 s
Description: Here's a final look round some of the machinery stands at this year's Balmoral Show. Farming Life's Darryl Armitage captured this video from the machinery stands. See who you can spot in our selection of video.

Livestock handling systems are constantly evolving to improve safety, welfare and automation – and now farmers have access to Clipex’s expertise as it expands into GB.

With a new base in the Scottish borders – covering the whole of the UK – the fencing and livestock handling specialist can now offer bespoke design and installation services.

“Farmers are becoming more safety conscious and are operating larger units with fewer staff,” explained Kevin Lernihan, managing director at Clipex Europe.

“The more design features we can include to save labour and improve the safety of both people and animals the better.”

placeholder image — Ian Learmonth, Clipex UK

Established in Australia in 2007, the company has always focused on safe handling, efficient farming practices and affordability. It expanded into Co Clare in Ireland in 2016, and the new base in Scotland now means UK farmers can not only access products more quickly, but also benefit from bespoke farm-based design, installation and after-service.

Ian Learmonth is heading up the new base, bringing over 30 years of livestock handling systems experience.

“I first got involved with Clipex in 2017 when designing a system for a farm in Aberdeen,” he explained.

“I really liked what I saw – it was really modern, innovative and go-ahead; so far in front of anything else on the market. The attention to detail and automation were really impressive.”

However, the original systems were designed for large Australian farms, so Mr Learmonth is looking forward to updating and adapting them for UK producers.

“Part of my job is going round to farms and listening to everything they say. If two or three people are saying the same thing, you know it needs to be done, so I’ll go into the workshop and make it happen.”

The company is always monitoring trends around the world – and as women are increasingly managing livestock it’s focusing on meeting their needs, too, added Mr Lernihan.

“Ian’s passion is about helping farmers, designing the best products to get the best results. That absolutely marries with the way we think as a company: The farmer always comes first.”

Until now, UK producers could only purchase systems from the current catalogue; going forward there will be a bespoke design and installation service - offering the full package, including advice on potential grant funding.

“I’d like to expand the range and grow the team,” noted Mr Learmonth.

“A lot of the time there are only one or two family members working on the farm, so it’s about keeping people safe and ensuring smooth, stress-free cow or sheep flow through the system. We already have full automation – weighing and drafting stock – and in future I expect we’ll develop something that catches up the stock, too. It’s a really exciting time.”

For more information visit www.clipex.co.uk.