6 Best Sheep Weigh Tapes For Hot Summers Old Farmers Swear By

When the July sun starts beating down on the pasture, keeping track of your flock’s growth becomes a sweaty but necessary chore. You can’t always haul a heavy scale out to the back 40, but you still need to know if your lambs are hitting their target weights. Old-timers have long relied on weigh tapes as a portable, reliable alternative that won’t break the bank or your back during the dog days of summer.

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Why Old Farmers Swear By Coburn Sheep Weigh Tapes

Old-timers don’t like fussing with batteries or digital screens that wash out in the midday glare. They want something that works every time they pull it out of a dusty pocket.

Coburn has earned that trust by keeping things simple and consistent. Their tapes are built on decades of data, matching heart girth to actual poundage with surprising accuracy for a manual tool.

It’s about the peace of mind that comes from a tool that doesn’t glitch. When you’re wrestling a 150-pound ewe in 90-degree heat, you need a measurement fast, and Coburn delivers.

Coburn Sheep and Goat Weigh Tape: Durable Summer Choice

Summer heat can turn cheap plastic brittle or make it uncomfortably sticky to the touch. The Coburn tape uses a reinforced fabric blend that handles high temperatures without losing its shape.

I’ve seen these tapes survive being left on a tractor dashboard in August, which is a death sentence for lesser equipment. The markings stay legible even after months of sun exposure and sweat.

It’s a solid choice for the hobbyist who needs one tool to last five seasons rather than five months. You aren’t just buying a tape; you’re buying a piece of kit that understands the reality of barn life.

Nasco Sheep and Goat Weight Tape: Best for High Heat

High heat can cause some materials to expand, which throws off your measurements just enough to be annoying. Nasco has engineered their tape to maintain its dimensions even when the mercury climbs past 95 degrees.

This precision matters when you’re calculating medication dosages based on weight. A five-pound error might not seem like much, but it can impact the effectiveness of a dewormer during the peak of parasite season.

The texture of the Nasco tape is also a plus. It doesn’t get "gummy" in humid conditions, making it easier to slide under the belly of a wooly sheep without snagging.

Tru-Test Livestock Weight Tape: Ideal for Hot Weather

Tru-Test is a name usually associated with high-end electronic scales, but their manual tapes are equally impressive. They use high-contrast printing that remains visible even when you’re squinting through a layer of summer dust.

The tape is designed to be flexible enough to wrap snugly around the heart girth without being so flimsy that it twists in the wind. This balance is crucial when you’re working solo and trying to keep a flighty lamb still.

If you’re looking for a tape that feels professional and holds its calibration through a heatwave, this is the one. It bridges the gap between basic utility and precision management.

SyrVet Sheep and Goat Tape: Resisting Tape Stretching

The biggest enemy of a weigh tape isn’t just the heat; it’s the tension. If a tape stretches over time, your "100-pound" lamb might actually be 110, leading to missed market windows.

SyrVet uses a fiberglass-reinforced core that specifically resists stretching. Even if you’re pulling it tight to get through a thick summer coat, the tape stays true to its original length.

This durability makes it a favorite for those of us who tend to be a little rough on our gear. It’s a "buy once, cry once" kind of tool that stands up to the rigors of a busy homestead.

Anpro Retractable Livestock Tape: Heat Resistant Case

Carrying a loose roll of tape can be a mess, especially when it gets coated in lanolin and dust. The Anpro model features a retractable housing that keeps the tape protected from the elements when not in use.

The case itself is built to handle the heat. It won’t warp or crack if it spends the afternoon in your pocket or the bed of your truck.

While some purists prefer a simple strip of tape, the convenience of a push-button retracting mechanism is hard to beat. It keeps your gear organized, which is a win during a long day of chores.

Weaver Leather Sheep Weight Tape: Summer Performance

Weaver Leather is known for quality tack, and that same attention to detail shows up in their livestock tapes. Their sheep-specific tape is calibrated for the unique body shapes of meat and wool breeds alike.

The material is soft enough to be gentle on the animal’s skin but tough enough to resist tearing. It handles the humidity of a mid-summer morning without becoming stiff or difficult to handle.

It’s a reliable, no-nonsense option for the shepherd who values a tool that feels good in the hand. When a tool is comfortable to use, you’re more likely to actually use it.

Cleaning Your Nasco Tape to Ensure Summer Longevity

Summer heat means more sweat and more lanolin buildup on your tape. If you don’t clean it, that grime can actually degrade the printing and the material over time.

A quick wipe with a damp cloth and a drop of mild dish soap is usually all it takes. Avoid harsh chemicals that can dry out the tape and cause it to crack in the sun.

• Key maintenance tips:
  • Dry the tape completely before rolling it up.
  • Store it in a cool, shaded spot rather than on the dash.
  • Check for frayed edges once a month to ensure safety.

Taking two minutes to clean your gear at the end of the day ensures it will be ready for the next heatwave. Proper maintenance is the difference between a tool that lasts a season and one that lasts a decade.

Choosing the right weigh tape is a small investment that pays off in better flock management and less stress during the hottest months. Stick with these time-tested options, and you’ll spend less time second-guessing your weights and more time enjoying your farm.