Rack for Feeding Hay to Sheep

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 77, Issue 5, 15 November 1948, Page 468

Rack for Feeding Hay to Sheep

By

R. INCH,

Fields Instructor,

Department of Agriculture, Ashburton.

MANY farmers find difficulty in feeding hay economically to sheep. Either it is put into racks that allow a considerable amount to be pulled on to the ground and soiled, or it is spread thinly in long rows across the field. The latter method is possibly less wasteful, especially with meadow hay, but when good clover or lucerne hay is used the leaf tends to fall and be wasted as the sheep scramble over the rows.

THE leaf is the most valuable part of good hay, and farmers who wish to save as much of it as possible may find that the type of rack used by a mid-Canterbury farmer will solve their problem. It also assists in keeping the wool free from dust and small ends of straw. The key to the construction of the rack is the peculiar shape and size of the end supports. They are made from 4in. x 2in. timber bolted together, the rack being 10ft. long. The bottom trough supports the hay and holds any leaf that may fall; the top is used for storage and acts as a self feeder. When the feeder is filled extra bales can be placed right across the top and opened as required. This feeder is ideal for small flocks, especially of stud sheep that are fed on the better class of hay. It is strongly constructed and with ordinary care will last for many years.