Zero Grazer continue to lead the way on all things zero grazing throughout Ireland. Back in the early days many farmers looked at the concept as a waste of time and a complete fad. How things have changed in the past 14 seasons.

Fragmentation, weather and stocking rate are the three main drivers of interest in the concept. If you don’t tick the box on one of these factors, the concept of zero grazing is probably not suitable to your farm at all. That’s according to Niall O’Reilly MD of Zero Grazer.

The ZG80 is the most popular machine in the range. Classed as a medium sized machine capable of feeding 140 cows the machine can come with a 7ft or 7ft 6 inch drum. Tire size is also an option with BKT radial 620s the standard, with some customers opting for the 710, Nokian Country King. Tractor requirements are usually something around 120hp but there is some customers operating with less on flat ground. This machine can be viewed on the Zero Grazer stand at Grass & Muck. While the ZG80 wont be cutting the ZG100 with be the main attraction with its bigger capacity and 8ft 6 inch disc bed. The main difference is the switch to a disc bed from a drum. As cutting width of drums increase more maintenance will be required. If you want a wider cut and a simple life the answer is very simple, disc, every time. In fact the proof is there. A recently traded ZG100 had cut approximately 7,500ac, the only maintenance was a full set of skids, with the outer two skids being replaced twice.

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For anyone who wants to see a drum mower in action, Gurteen dairy herd, as already mentioned, have been operating the ZG75 with a 7ft drum since March. What looks to be an action pack stand at Grass & Muck make sure to call in and meet the team from Zero Grazer. If it’s cows, beef finishing, grass measuring, milk quality this company seem to have the answers.