The KEENAN VA2-24L is the longer option in the KEENAN VA 24m3 range of machines. The KEENAN VA2-24L is mounted on a heavy­duty chassis and features a robust gear box. This machine has a lower profile than the VA2-24S, giving the ability to be used on farms with height restrictions. 

The KEENAN VA2-18 is the smallest machine in the KEENAN VA range. With a lower footprint, the KEENAN VA2-18 affords greater mobility. The tank, augers and components of the KEENAN VA2-18 are manufactured using the same quality, strength and thickness of steel as the larger machines in the KEENAN VA range. 

With a capacity of 21 cubic metres, the VA2. - 21 is made for the medium sized farmer who wants to feed a large amount of animals with one load. Sharing many of the components used in the larger range of KEENAN VA feeders, this model can be adapted to suit a wide range of farming applications. 

The internet of things (IoT) is predicted to grow rapidly in the coming years, but what exactly is it and how will it impact on livestock farming?Robert Walker, chief executive officer at Keenan, explains the big technology companies are capitalising on IoT, but agriculture is somewhat lagging behind.

Click here to read the full article.

Kepak Farm, located in Dunboyne, finishes 3,500 cattle a year, with cattle supplied direct to the nearby Kepak factory in Clonee.Owned by the Kepak Group, it claims to be one of Ireland’s most efficient finishing units, with average daily liveweight gains hitting 1.5kg a head a day.

We visited the unit as part of an Alltech press tour to find out how robust animal health and sourcing protocols alongside good nutrition and data recording is helping them to realise exceptional performance.

Click here to read the full article.

Tom Chanter, InTouch feeding specialist, said: “Good management and nutrition during the dry period is crucial and will support easier calving, improve immunity and increase milk yield during early lactation. “However, producers typically focus their attention on the milking herd, which means cows are often poorly prepared for calving and transition into lactation.

Click here to read the full article.

Most spring calving dairy farmers would grimace at the thought of buying a feeder wagon. However, some are spring systems are doing just that in an attempt to extend grazing rotations and support milk production,

Click here to read the full article.

A smart feeding programme is boosting on-farm efficiency for dairy farmer Tristan Bennett in Worcestershire. Using a Keenan MechFiber320 diet feeder, fitted with an InTouch controller, the milking herd receives a total mixed ration (TMR) comprising around 70% forage, including grass and maize silage, lucerne and fodder beet, as well as 5kg of concentrate. With optimum feed efficiency a priority, Optisync, a unique non-protein nitrogen from Alltech, is also included in the ration.

Click here to read the full article.

With one in four cull cows reported to leave the herd during the first 60 days of lactation, dairy farmers need to pay closer attention to detail during the dry and transition period. Good management and nutrition during the dry period is crucial and will support easier calving, improve immunity and increase milk yield during early lactation.

Tom Chanter, InTouch feeding specialist.

Click here to read the full article.

In view of the heatwave, dairy producers are being warned to take steps to reduce the impact of heat stress which can cause a major decline in cow performance. Signs of heat stress include cows flicking water over their backs, loose muck, cows lying against walls and a reluctance to come to the feed area where it is usually hotter.

Tom Chanter, InTouch feeding specialist, said: “Cows are most comfortable at an ambient temperature of just 4°C and therefore the heat is causing major issues, with many producers noting a marked drop in milk quality.

Click here to read the full article.