Operating a grass-based system, Peter aims to maximise grass utilisation while ensuring cows receive sufficient nutrition when conditions require supplementary feeding.

"We try to maximise grass as much as we can, but there are times when we need to buffer feed the cows to maintain dry matter intakes," Peter explains.

"We use the feeder all winter and again for four to six weeks in spring when cows are going out to grass. With the dry summers we're getting, we're also finding ourselves feeding during the summer."

From Three Loads to Two

Peter's decision to purchase the Kverneland SILOKING followed an on-farm demonstration, which quickly highlighted the benefits of the machine's capacity and mixing performance.

"It wasn't really on my radar until I got the demonstration," he recalls.

"I was very impressed with its capacity, how quickly it mixed and how well it fed out. It was the right size machine for our yard, and straight away we went from three loads to two."

That reduction has translated into considerable time savings.

"It shortened our feeding by an hour or two a day. We like to group stock so we can make maximum use of the feeder. There's very little difference in mixing time between a half load and a full load, so we try to fill it."

Peter feeds his milking cows daily, while young stock and dry cows are generally fed every second day, allowing him to make more efficient use of full loads.

Consistent Mixing Across Different Diets

Mix quality is another area where Peter has been particularly impressed, especially when preparing rations for dry cows.

"The feeder is very good at mixing dry cow loads. We use a lot of straw, and it gives us a good, even mix every time. That's what we're looking for — consistency."

Peter also believes the quality and consistency of the mix play an important role in cow performance, particularly when supplementary feeding is required.

“You can put whatever you like into it, and it all comes out as a nice, even mix. The cows really perform on it,” he says.

The TrailedLine 4.0 Premium features SILOKING's twin turbo auger mixing system, designed to move large quantities of feed while preserving forage structure. The augers incorporate turbo flights to support thorough mixing and efficient emptying.

Peter works with a nutritionist to formulate diets, typically incorporating grass silage, maize silage, straw and a selection of straights.

"We like to keep things fairly simple. The feeder handles all those ingredients and helps us get the best use out of our forages."

Having previously operated a paddle-type feeder, Peter also appreciates the versatility of the vertical auger system.

"You can throw in bales without having to break them up beforehand. Whether it's straw, hay or silage, it handles them all."

The machine's FlowPlus hopper ring helps return material into the mixing process, supporting efficient bale breakdown and reducing the risk of material building up around the top of the hopper.

Practical Features That Make a Difference

Despite moving to a considerably larger feeder, Peter says manoeuvrability around the farm has not been compromised.

"It came with a steering axle, and even though it's much bigger than our previous feeder, it nearly goes around the passages easier. It's very tidy and straightforward to manoeuvre."

Another feature he particularly values is the in-cab weighing display.

"With the weighing system in the cab, you can see everything clearly. You just press a button when moving from one ingredient to the next, and the system does the adding for you."

The SILOKING Data weighing system allows operators to monitor ingredient quantities, helping simplify the loading process and maintain consistency between mixes.

Peter also highlights the front conveyor, particularly during summer buffer feeding when smaller quantities must be distributed along longer feed barriers.

"You can really control how much feed you're putting out. When you're only feeding a small amount over a big feeding area, it's very handy."

Reliability and Support

After almost six years of ownership, reliability remains one of the machine's biggest selling points for Peter.

"The build quality is very good. The feeder gives absolutely zero trouble, and a real good side of a machine is having no repairs while you're paying for it."

Apart from replacing knives as part of normal wear and maintenance, Peter says the feeder has required no repairs.

He also praises the technical support received from Kverneland Group Ireland, particularly from demonstrator Diarmuid Lonergan.

"Diarmuid is very up to speed on every aspect of the feeder. If you have any questions, he's always there on the phone, and you're up and going again in two minutes."

A Machine He Would Recommend

For Peter, the combination of increased capacity, consistent mixing, ease of operation and reliability has made the SILOKING a valuable investment.

"I'm very happy with my Kverneland SILOKING feeder, and I'd have no problem recommending it to anyone else."

"It's a very straightforward machine. It doesn't give trouble, and it does exactly what it's supposed to do every time."