Demonstration leads to Installation

After last winter, mud control was a major concern for many area beef producers going into the 2018 – 2019 winter feeding season.  Many producers have tried various options to help with winter feeding, but often fall short due to improper design or incorrect installation of the practices.One group of cattle producers from Bracken County attended the fall Open House at the Eden Shale farm hosted by the KY Beef Network.  

This group had a chance to visit the Fence Line Feeders installed on the farm.  After one year of use, there was information on the performance of the system, animal preference, and recommendations for changes to the design.Each participant took away various aspects of the system that they felt might enhance their feeding operation.One of the main issues they gained was the importance to follow recommended size and depth of rock to establish the base and the importance of yearly maintenance of the surface.

Three of those attending the program and two others that have read about the feeder system have requested plans to build structures on their own farm.  Those have already reported that feeding is much easier and safer now that they do not enter the field.  Hay savings from feeding on a hard surface is significant compared to feeding in deep mud and cattle have less stress.  Many more installations are expected now that this practice is included in the cost share programs.