do straw choppers/shredders actually save straw

Douglasmn

Member
I have homemade flip down lids on my water troughs to stop straw getting in them when I use the chopper to bed down. Nothing worse than troughs full of straw.
Tried the same but found that straw would still get in some how. I found best way was just to clean them regularly. Even if bedding by hand they still somehow get dirty and benefit from regular cleaning to keep the water as fresh as possible.
 

O'Reilly

Member
Yes I agree. I would also be concerned about what else might be in it besides the usual nutrients. I know they screen any ferrous contain from it with magnets.
Stuff we tried had loads of rubbish, glass, plastic in it. Never again. Think its a bit dodgy without the proper EA consents too
 

Turra farmer

Never Forgotten
Honorary Member
Dont think a straw blower is the problem

Shed ventilation should change the air every few minutes

On a still winters day , in the sun you can just see the air hanging with a very fine dust , shed is vented ridge and vented sides designed by SAC ,
So should be right ,
 

mo!

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
York
On a still winters day , in the sun you can just see the air hanging with a very fine dust , shed is vented ridge and vented sides designed by SAC ,
So should be right ,
The heat off the cattle should be generating a chimney effect in the shed, something isn't right there. Get some smoke bombs and see what's happening (damp straw in a metal bucket works too).
 

Turra farmer

Never Forgotten
Honorary Member
The heat off the cattle should be generating a chimney effect in the shed, something isn't right there. Get some smoke bombs and see what's happening (damp straw in a metal bucket works too).
It's defo heading up and out ridge , but takes a long time on a still day
 

Sid

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
South Molton
Try telling the HSE that its ok to work in dust as its only for a short time!

There is a huge difference between a well ventilated shee and a draughty shed.
 
Enormous saving on straw of 35% and labour time of up to 66% due to distribution of substantially more absorbent straw chopped up into small pieces. Enormous saving on work and costs!
 

Sid

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
South Molton
Enormous saving on straw of 35% and labour time of up to 66% due to distribution of substantially more absorbent straw chopped up into small pieces. Enormous saving on work and costs!

But capital outlay and running cost increase.

So how much is really saved?
Machine costs 10k? So 1k per year.
Maintenance £500/yr?
Tractor at £25/hr

I'm not saying there isn't a saving but between 35 and 66% i don't think so.
 

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Red Tractor drops launch of green farming scheme amid anger from farmers

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As reported in Independent


quote: “Red Tractor has confirmed it is dropping plans to launch its green farming assurance standard in April“

read the TFF thread here: https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/gfc-was-to-go-ahead-now-not-going-ahead.405234/
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