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 efficient ways to put 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? Investment in feeding machinery can reduce labour and time requirements and, indeed, improve safety. We examine how the weight of a bale on the loader affects the tractor’s front axle. It is interesting to find out the height of the loader that has the minimal effect on front axle-loading.

A low-cost loader option from China is investigated for use on the farm over the winter. We also look at setting up the farm to handle beet this winter.

Irish-grown beet

This year, there has been plenty of good-quality Irish-grown beet to take advantage of and reduce feed costs, if possible. We look at the different washing and chopping options.

Finally, Paul Fox reviews the nutritional value of beet and the role of washed beet in the animal’s rumen digestive system.