A NEW way to secure silage sheeting was demonstrated at the open day and is claimed to reduce tyre use by 90pc.

Secure Covers can be used to protect all feeds, such as silage, brewers' grains and concentrates/straights, from bird damage and droppings.

The covers, available in made to measure sizes, are in a high quality, finely-woven mesh made from polyethylene which is guaranteed for seven years.

The cover, produced by Thomas and Fontaine of Shropshire, is placed over the silage sheets and weighted only at the edges and joins. That is enough to keep it in contact with the sheets and them in contact with the silage, thereby reducing surface waste.

The wind cannot get underneath the weighted-down edges and the mesh is impenetrable to birds which means that, if it is pulled down over the feed face, no birds can get to it.

Thomas and Fontaine can be contacted on freephone 0800 783 2804