Back Issue - Practical Farm Ideas - 62 - Vo

Arable: Difficult combining conditions, and grain with high moisture contents are problems examined in a feature titled: 'Handling a wet harvest'. It shows a novel, low cost way to vent grain in store. Hot spots can be tackled without moving the crop. Also, a neat way to carry dual wheels on the combine. We also show how a contributing farmer organises his wet grain store so the drier is kept going most of the day and night if need be. Cover story: a home designed front tool box. Tractor cabs get wrecked with the tools and spares they carry. This front box doubles as a work bench so that repairs can be done in the field, and means the cab floor is clear of debris. A must for anyone with a pride in their tractor. Cattle: Chasing a cow that's calving round the pen to get a halter on her is something you will never have to do again once this neat and simple gate idea is installed. Self feed silage may not be the buzz word, but this herd does 7,000 litres on the system, using a unique home made steel barrier which the cows actually push forward themselves. No feeder wagon, loader tractor cuts feeding costs. Farm Walk tours a 1000 fattening farm which uses many home made and designed ideas for auto feeding this large number of cattle, and also bedding them as well. They're simple, easy to maintain, and reliable. Also, molasses feeder barrow. Top business idea: a dairy farmer who has moved into retailing, by buying the local shop. Article shows the financial logic and thinking behind this decision. Featured College: Gelli Aur, Carmarthen students have done some useful project work this year. This feature would be very useful reading for any agric engineering student with project work next year. All colleges / students are invited to participate in this section in future magazines. Plus: 47 farm built cost cutting ideas, including 22 ton dump trailer, 21ft triple roller, trailed roller mill - mixer unit; and simple, practical ideas like handling front weights as a group using pallet forks, moving trailers around with a fork lift truck.... Financial Focus: 'The Way through Machinery Finance' gives a refresher course in the differences between Contract Hire, Finance Lease, Hire Purchase, and explains some of the financial pluses and minuses of each way of acquiring new kit.