Farm kit & prices glossary
What each piece of kit actually does, in plain English — with a live starting price pulled straight from current stock.
Ear Tag
Numbered tags that identify each animal for movement, medicine and breeding records — required by law for most cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.
Electric Fence Energiser
The box that sends a short, safe pulse down the wire — it is the "teach and contain" part of an electric fence.
Stock Netting
Woven wire mesh that keeps sheep and smaller stock in — the graduated mesh gets tighter near the ground.
Field Gate
A galvanised or timber gate sized to the gateway — 10ft to 16ft covers most field entrances.
Water Trough
Bulk drinking water for stock — sized by how many animals need to drink at once, not just the total volume.
Ball Valve
The float valve that keeps a trough topped up automatically — low-pressure and high-pressure types are not interchangeable.
Silage Wrap
Stretch film that seals a round bale so it ferments into silage — usually applied in four to six layers.
Baler Twine
Sisal or plastic twine used to bind square and round bales — the "metres per kilo" figure tells you how long a roll lasts.
Layers Pellets
Complete feed for laying hens with calcium for eggshells — feed it alongside grit and always-available fresh water.
Ewe & Lamb Nuts
Higher-protein compound for ewes in late pregnancy and lactation, when demand is at its peak.
Mineral Lick Bucket
Free-access minerals and trace elements to top up what grass and forage do not supply — pick one to suit the species.
Permanent Pasture Mix
A long-lived grass and clover mix for grazing and hay — the backbone of most livestock farms.
Ground Limestone
Raises soil pH so grass and crops can use the nutrients that are already there — test first, then apply to need.
Wellington Boots
The one item every farm gets through — look for a steel toe-cap and a grippy sole if you work around big animals.
PTO Shaft
Transmits power from the tractor to an implement — always fit the guard, and match the shaft length and spline to both ends.
Post Driver
A weighted tube that drives fence posts by hand — far faster and straighter than a lump hammer.
Chicken Coop
Secure night-time housing — allow around 1 sq ft of floor and 8 to 10 inches of perch per bird, plus a fox-proof latch.
Hoof Trimmers
Sharp, purpose-shaped shears for keeping sheep and goat feet in shape — regular trims prevent most lameness before it starts.