This year has seen large volumes of good-quality forage harvested with little weather-related stress. This Focus supplement on winter feeding equipment will look at the efficient options to put this fodder in front of the animals this winter.

There is a very varied level of mechanisation on farms in Ireland. So which farms are doing it right or wrong, or is there a right or wrong as long as it works for the farm.

We examine how farms that have been using a diet feeder for the past number of years have got on. The costs and benefits to the farmers are analysed and look at the possible replacement programmes.

We will also look at setting up the farm and machines required for rolling grain. This year there is plenty of good quality native grain to take advantage of and reduce feed costs if possible. A beet washer developed in Kilkenny for the front loader is also reviewed.

Finally, we take feeding animals in to the 21st century as we look at some of the technology that might make your life easier this winter.