These new tools help you simplify livestock chores

<p>The newest Megamixer by Danuser is three to four times faster at mixing material than previous models, thanks to more spacing between augers, going to all-steel parts and using a bigger center column. It also has a more robust, adjustable gate to send a mix both toward and away from the mixer. For more information on the $5,145 Megamixer S75, contact Danuser, Fulton, Mo., at 573-642-2246 or visit <a href="http://danuser.com" target="_blank">danuser.com</a><em>.</em></p>

<p>The TMR Master 625 from ValMetals is a reel-style mixer with a unique split-style reel, allowing for quicker, more efficient mixing of TMR rations for dairy and beef cattle. This model also works well with grain rations. It includes an anti-compaction auger and is sold as a stationary or mobile unit. Contact ValMetal at 608-374-2206 or visit <a href="http://valmetal.com" target="_blank">valmetal.com</a><em>.</em></p>

<p>H&amp;S Manufacturing Company Inc., in Marshfield, Wis., recently introduced the new BP2957 and BP2958 bale processors. Unlike systems which require a hay bale to be unrolled prior to shredding, H&amp;S’ unique hydraulic cradle rocks bales of any size or shape over the hammers, so the entire cross-section of the bale can be shredded at once. The result is higher feed utilization and softer bedding. The BP2957 retails for $26,733, and the BP2958 retails for $27,810 plus freight. Contact H&amp;S Manufacturing at 715-384-5463 or visit <a href="http://hsmfgco.com" target="_blank">hsmfgco.com</a><em>.</em></p>

<p>Easy Lift from Titan West is an affordable cattle chute with a hydraulic lift that is simple and easy to use. Spokespersons say you can be going down the road in five to 10 minutes, depending on how fast you move. The “pull-to” levers raise it, then the wheels slide in and a pin is inserted. Next, the tongue is inserted, and the motor rolled up and placed inside, and you’re off. Titan West offers three different models. The cow-calf chute pictured retails for about $17,000. Contact Titan West at 800-252-0847 or visit <a href="http://titanwestinc.com" target="_blank">titanwestinc.com</a><em>.</em></p>

<p>Mighty Giant tub grinders by Jones Manufacturing are made to grind “anything out there,” as far as green forage, wood or mulch go. The Mighty Giant is a high-capacity grinder with increased efficiency and is made with quality steel, increasing the life of the grinder. There are blenders out there 20 to 30 years old, spokespersons say. Contact Mighty Giant at 402-528-3861 or visit <a href="http://mightygiant.com" target="_blank">mightygiant.com</a><em>.</em></p>

<p>This horizontal pump from Nuhn Industries allows a user to pump and transfer liquid from a pit or a lagoon. The pump can also be used to mix and circulate the liquid. The valves are radio remote-controlled, and the pump features Nuhn’s header pump design. The horizontal pump has more capacity and pressure, and uses less energy than other pump designs. It retails for $14,000. Contact Nuhn Industries at 877-837-7323 or visit <a href="http://nuhn.ca" target="_blank">nuhn.ca</a><em>.</em></p>

<p>Hog Slat is introducing a line of cattle slats. The concrete slats are 5 inches thick and 4 feet wide. They come in 12-foot lengths, delivered to the farm. For more information, contact Hog Slat, Humboldt, Iowa, at 800-294-4014 or visit <a href="http://hogslat.com" target="_blank">hogslat.com</a><em>.</em></p>

<p>Holdrege Equipment has a new ribbon auger for its horizontal mixers. There are three models: 1650, 1850 and 1950, representing 600, 800 and 900 cubic feet, respectively. Instead of solid flighting, the auger looks like a ribbon. The design reduces mix time to a two-minute mix. Also, it requires less torque on the truck, which saves on chains in the back and helps fuel economy. Contact Holdrege Equipment, Holdrege, Neb., at 888-995-9565 or visit <a href="http://jaylor.com" target="_blank">jaylor.com</a><em>.</em></p>

<p>Stronghold Manufacturing has a straight vertical headgate with a horizontal slide. It’s hydraulically driven by two cylinders. The head restraint extends the animal’s neck forward and pulls the head out, making room for a farmer to administer shots on the neck. For more information, contact Stronghold, Glenwood, Minn., at 319-361-2828.</p>

<p>Apache Palco has a new squeeze alley to aid in working cattle. Rather than move panels by hand, with just a pull of the lever, cattle are squeezed in tight. It functions just like a squeeze chute. For more information, contact Global Equipment Co., Norfolk, Neb., at 800-345-5073 or visit <a href="http://apacheequipment.com" target="_blank">apacheequipment.com</a><em>.</em></p>

<p>The Akron MX 1410R vertical feed mixer boasts a 460-cubic-meter capacity. It has one main rotor with eight blades. The electronic scale comes standard. It holds 99 different diets, and each diet can have up to 10 ingredients. Farmers need a 120-hp or larger tractor for this unit. The Akron MX 1410R is for those large cattle operators up to 100,000 head. Contact Busch Equipment Co., Columbus, Neb., at 402-563-1502 or visit <a href="http://buschequipment.com" target="_blank">buschequipment.com</a>.</p>