2016 - Volume #BFS, Issue #16, Page #94
[ Sample Stories From This Issue | List of All Stories In This Issue | Print this story
]
“Feed From Outside” Bunk System
The system attaches to the side of a building. At feeding time, the producer simply pushes a button to open the feeder’s roof and fills the bunk with hay or from a TMR.
Besides saving time, there is less wasted feed because the roof can be closed when it rains or snows. The hinged 6-ft. long trough sections can be tipped to the outside for easy cleaning.
The system is the most recent innovation by Tom Barron, who has come up with other equipment to feed calves on his Ruthton, Minn., farm. He and his son, Andrew, worked with engineers to manufacture the user-friendly bunk system.
“We custom fit to the length of the building,” Andrew Barron says, noting the system works on all types of structures including wood, metal and hoop buildings. Their longest system was 228 ft., with the roof divided in two sections. “They’ve been geared for sheep and cattle so far, but it would work for dairy cattle and goats too. We can set the bunk as low as 12 1/2 in. off the ground and as high as needed.”
Customers appreciate the time they save feeding and the fact that they don’t have to get in the barn with the animals to feed them. At the same time, while the animals are eating, producers can check them out and treat them immediately if they see any health issues.
Producers also use the feed system roof to improve ventilation by keeping it open for good cross-ventilation. Plus it provides shade for feeding animals.
Costs vary according to length and design and options, such as a wireless remote to open and close the roof. Call for an estimate.
Barron Built also sells a full line of livestock feeding equipment including free standing as well as pull-type hay and self-feeders.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Barron Built, 7-221st St., Ruthton, Minn. 56170 (ph 507 658-3391; info@barronbuilt.com; www.barronbuilt.com).
Click here to download page story appeared in.
To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.