We have pretty much solved our issue of spilt hay with the cows by putting half round bale feeders round the outside hay racks so that any spillage is contained in the bottom. It stays dry cos there are mats underneath and, because the cows cannot trample on it, they will often graze and eat up some of it anyway!
We have also added two rows of stable matting so that the cows are standing comfortably on a dry but cushioned surface whilst they eat. Crucially the mats also give us a surface we can then sweep, (although if there is a lot of poo it’s more of a pick up, then a sweep) as opposed to having to pick out spilt hay from the woodchip.
Finally, we have been thinking for a while that we have never needed to use the two field shelters separately and that when the cows are in, it is actually a pain having two as they go in and out a lot more, spreading straw and making the entrance ways wet. Our plan is therefore to remove the middle partition and close off one of the gate, leaving just one entrance and exit – and because we know how well Mike Ford Fencing built the whole shed – we know it won’t fall down!!