Geotextile Feeding/Traffic Surfaces and Costs

Mud robs Kentucky beef and dairy producers of performance from their cattle herds in winter and spring conditions. To help avoid the problems associated with mud and reduced performance, concrete pads or lower-cost all-weather surfaces should be used wherever animals congregate--- feeding areas, animal traffic areas and loafing areas. Although concrete is probably the most desirable surface for durability and low maintenance, an all-weather surface can be constructed of geotextile fabric, rock and fine surface cover for less than 1/3 of the cost of concrete. Rock over bare soil in Kentucky requires approximately 12 of depth for stability. In contrast, by using geotextile fabrics, rock depth can be cut in half and the rock stays in place, cutting down on repeated maintenance

Mixer Equipment Options for Total Mixed Rations

The use of total mixed rations (TMR) in the dairy industry provides dairymen with the ability to feed a blended, balanced ration. TMR rations are balanced for the particular requirements of a specific group of cows or calves. Several different options are available for types of equipment to mix TMR rations. These types of equipment include assorted designs for both portable and stationary mixers, different types of scales and various types of conveyors

Energy Fact Sheet: Heat Pumps for Residential Heating and Cooling: Some Questions and Answers

WHAT IS A HEAT PUMP? A heat pump is an electrically-powered refrigeration cycle device which is capable of providing both heating and cooling to a residence. In the summer, it operates like an air conditioner by moving heat from inside the house to the outside. In the winter, the refrigerant flow is reversed, moving heat into the house by further chilling the already cold outside air and transferring the heat gained in the process to the inside

Using Geotextiles for Feeding and Traffic Surfaces

Mud robs Kentucky beef and dairy producers of performance from their cattle herds in winter and spring. To help avoid the problems associated with mud and reduced performance, producers should consider using concrete pads or lower-cost all-weather surfaces wherever animals congregate (e.g., feeding areas, animal traffic areas, and loafing areas). Although concrete is probably the most desirable surface for durability and low maintenance, an all-weather surface can be constructed of geotextile fabric, rock, and fine surface cover for less than one-third of the cost of concrete. Rock over bare soil in Kentucky requires approximately 12 inches of depth for stability, but using rock over geotextile fabrics can reduce rock depth by half. Repeated maintenance usually required for rock pads is also reduced because the fabric keeps the rock in place

Reducing Mud Using Highway-Type Filter Materials

Several beef and dairy producers across the country have been successful in dramatically reducing mud problems without resorting to the use of expensive concrete or pavement. A load-bearing material used in the highway industry can be placed in high animal traffic areas, on mounds, around feed bunks and in transition areas where animals move onto or off of concrete. The materials are of two basic types; 1) geotextiles, which are a porous filter-type material, and 2) polyethelye-type plastic grid material. Costs for installing the finished surface are about one-third the cost of concrete

Flood Gates for Agricultural Fences

Flood gates are needed wherever fences cross ditches, gullies, and streams. They prevent livestock from swimming or crawling under the fence, and prevent debris from forming a dam that might wash out the fence or back up water to flood fields or other property

Fencing for Optimum Grazing

Controlled or rotational grazing can result in better utilization of forage resources. By better forage management through controlled grazing, producers may increase profitability of cattle/forage systems. To effectively develop a controlled grazing system, however, fencing must be used to subdivide the pasture into sub-fields or paddocks. The animals may then be rotated among the paddocks to optimize forage and beef or dairy production from the system. Alfalfa grazing can play an important part in such a system. Planning the best , or optimum, fencing strategy should be done with the overall goal in mind of improving profitability. Key factors that describe the optimal system will include the number of paddocks needed, type of fence construction, water supply plan, and overall layout of the system. Although the optimum will be different for each farm, there are some general principles that apply to all farms

Water Systems for Controlled Grazing

Intensive controlled or rotational grazing can be an important tool for beef and dairy producers in Kentucky. A key component for success with this type of operation is the availability of adequate drinking water for livestock on pasture. Quantities, flow rates and location of water for rotational grazing will be considered in this fact sheet. Systems supplying water under pressure through hose or pipe to a tank or water bowl will be discussed in detail

Installation & Operation of Wood Heating Systems: Part Three in a Series on Wood as a Fuel Source

The installation and operation of wood heating units are both very important factors in the safe, efficient use of wood as a heating fuel. There are several considerations which should be taken into account when wood is used, that are not involved in common oil, gas, or electric systems. These include obtaining the wood; loading, starting and tending the fire; removing ashes; and inspection and cleaning of the chimney. Placement of the unit is also important in the distribution of heat and safe operation. The following guidelines should be helpful in planning, installing, and operating your wood heating system