Sheep farmers who prefer to feed their sheep from troughs in the field rather than on the ground can now do so using an ATV- or UTV-trailed “snacker” from Quad-X.

The County Antrim-based firm already produces two Stock Feeder models: the Fixed Spacing version drops an adjustable quantity of feed from a rotating barrel in small piles a set distance apart, while the Auto Drop has electronic control of spacing and quantity with a countdown to zero.

The newcomer is logically named the Trough model, and thanks to a high clearance axle design, it can straddle a typical trough and be towed along its length to dispense a continuous flow of feed as it goes.

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Easier work

Its main attraction, says Quad-X, is that farmers filling troughs no longer have to hump feed bags or buckets at the risk of long-term damage to their back, or get pushed about by a mob of hungry ewes.

Buyers can choose between electric or manual operation of the discharge chute – the latter has a long lever at the front of the trailed device – and whether to include the optional flexible hopper cover that protects the contents from contaminants and wet weather.

A 50mm ball coupling attaches the Trough Stock Feeder to an ATV or UTV – which must also have sufficient clearance to straddle the feed trough, of course – and angled nudge bars at the front deflect impatient sheep that get in the way.

Prices start at £1,660.