One of the most challenging and costly aspects of beef cattle production in Kentucky is winter-feeding. Many producers complain about the time required to feed stored forages, the mud, the drudgery that it creates for the operator, and the decline in production. The intense traffic associated with winter feeding on unimproved surfaces causes mud, compaction, erosion, and loss of desirable vegetation, often resulting in annual pasture renovations to address areas impacted by winter-feeding practices. Fenceline feeding systems offer an alternative to traditional in-field bale feeding during the wet winter conditions that Kentucky often experiences. These structures can be utilized to reduce the impact of winter-feeding on pastures and improve the operational efficiency of a winter-feeding area. The volume of wasted hay can also be reduced, compared to traditional practices. These structures are designed so that the tractor never has to enter the field to load hay bales into the structure. Eliminating the tractor traffic in a field greatly reduces issues with mud, rutting up the field, and the frustration of feeding hay in the mud. Fenceline feeder systems are also excellent options for mobility limited or disabled producers. The major advantage of this practice is the savings in time, but it also prevents compaction of soils and having to interact with cattle/calves while trying to feed.
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To the left is a picture of the area before fenceline feeders were installed on Eden Shale Farm.
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Five designs were developed and installed at the fenceline feeder demonstration site at Eden Shale Farm. Each design has pros and cons that should be considered during the planning process. The given dimensions and quantities of materials needed are for the specific designs installed at Eden Shale Farm. Each design is scalable to the size of your hay bales and the needs of your operation. The design was built to accommodate 5½ foot diameter round bales. Pricing for each feeder is pictured below, along with blueprints. Cost estimates do not include labor or any equipment rentals that may be necessary.
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For full details and dimensions on fenceline feeders, click the link below to download the University of Kentucky publication by Steve Higgins and Lee Moser.
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For full details and dimensions on fenceline feeders, click the link below to download the University of Kentucky publication by Steve Higgins and Lee Moser.
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More images of fenceline feeders
FAQ for Fence-line Feeders
WHAT brand of pre-Fab metal feed panels did you use?
Our panels came from Farmer's Gate. You can checkout their website at farmersgate.com
What size are the panels?
We used 12 foot panels on the sides. On the ends, we used an 8 foot panel and a gate.
How deep did you make the concrete for the pads around the bales?
The concrete is 6 inches.
On each structure, how many cows can eat at one time?
10 to 12 animals can comfortably feed from the structure at once.
Where can i buy the honeycomb material?
We used NDA gravel paver and purchased it from Site Supply in Midway, Ky. Here is their website www.sitefabric.com/
Who is the manufacturer of the geo grid?
We used NDS gravel paver and purchased it from Site Supply in Midway, KY. Here is their website www.sitefabric.com/
