A MOBILE sheep dip which requires no operator contact with dipping chemical or physical handling of wet sheep took out the top award in the Inventions Competition at Hamilton Sheepvention.
Gringegalgona, Vic, livestock contractor Josh Pumpa received the Elanco Robert F Stewart Major Award and $4000 cash prize for his Double Pumpa Sheep Dip in a strong field of 19 entries.
Mr Pumpa, who dips sheep in the South East and northern and western Vic, said positive feedback from farmers about the design encouraged him to enter the competition.
The mobile dipping trailer capable of putting through 500 sheep an hour was made with the assistance of Casterton, Vic, engineer Rod Davidson.
It comprises two V-shape races, each a single sheep width to ensure the sheep cannot turn around.
The two races ensure no down time, with one race being filled while sheep are being dipped in the other race
The sheep flow into the race before the operator turns on the pump, filling the dipping bath within 30 seconds.
An automated bar then dunks the sheep's head into the bath for a few seconds to submerge each animal but minimises splashing of chemical.
