Archives: Story

Buy Now, Hay Later

"We can control how much hay is wasted, or in this case, not wasted"

Let's take some time to talk about something that all horse owners need but until recently haven't given much thought to. I'm talking hay, well, hay feeders that is. Let's face it, the last two years have not been ideal for growing hay. The extreme heat and drought conditions of last year coupled with the spring floods and relatively small amount of rain during this year's summer, have not made for what we would call "bumper crops."

I have heard countless accounts of farmers getting less than half the amount of hay recently as compared to normal years. This, along with the higher cost of growing and shipping, have made the cost of hay skyrocket and the outlook does not look much better.

Here in Indiana, we've had much more favorable growing conditions than in places such as Tennessee, Georgia, Texas and Virginia, where they haven't had much measurable rainfall in the last four or five years. As you all know, we have to take into account what is going on in different regions of the country. If they're not able to grow a suffiicient amount of hay, then they have to get it shipped in from other areas. This again raises the price of hay for everyone. It's all about supply and demand.

Which brings me back to the main point of this article. Although we may not have much control over how much we pay for hay, we can control how much hay is wasted, or in this case, not wasted.

Until recently, about the only choices you've had to feed big round bales to horses was the traaditional ring bale feeder or, no feeder at all. That was the case until KIene Pipe Structures of Greensburg, Indiana developed the idea for the patented "H-8 Big Bale Feeder" designed specifiically for horses. Constructed out of heavy wall steel tube and weighing in at 750 lbs, this is one feeder that serves

it's purpose in more ways than one. Not only does it save a tremendous amount of hay over the traditional ring bale feeders, it is also a safer and healthier way for your horses to feed.

First of all, the hay sits two feet off the ground on a deck made of#1 treated 2' x 8' lumber. It is not airtight so it allows moisture to seep through, thus eliminating mold. There is a gate at both ends which allows you to load it from either end. Roof tabs are welded on to the uprights to allow you to put a 12' by 12' roof on the feeder. This keeps your hay dry and therefore will result in less waste. It also makes for some much needed shade during the hot summmer months.

The main feature of the H-8 is the patented fold down grill system. These grills serve many purposes. Since the bars are spaced only 51/4" apart, this only allows the horses to get their muzzle to the hay. This keeps them from burying their heads, stirring up dust and breathing it in. The grills also keep them from being able to pull back with large flakes of hay. All the excess hay falls to the deck and the process starts all over again.

Another way the grills help save hay is by helping to keep the hay from being blown by the wind. Since the grills are gravity controlled, there is a constant cover on the hay to help keep it in the feeder. The grills can also be locked in place in an upright position for loading, or if you have horses that tend to over eat.

If that's not enough, the H-8 feeder is now availlable with a four season shelter and wind break. Just put a 12' x 16' roof on it and attach our 4' x 6' wind break and you have not only a feeder that will save hay, but a feeder that will offer your horses protection, shade and comfort year round.

There are very few products that over time actuually pay for themselves, but take into account the longevity of this feeder and it's easy to see that it will pay for itself many times over.

Available in 8' and 12' models, this is one feeder you can't afford to pass up.

Longreen Foxhounds Celebrate 51st Opening Meet