Abstract: Forage cutter (1) for cutting forage or similar material in an enclosure having a first and second series of vertical blades (14, 16) for cutting the forage, a conveyor (25) for directing the forage forwardly and cooperating with the blades (14, 16) to spin the forage in an opposite direction with respect to the direction of rotation of the blades (14, 16); and roller means (23) vertical spaced below the second series of blades (16) and above the conveyor (25), the roller means (23) being rotatable in the same direction as the blades (14, 16) for selectively directing a first part of the forage having longer strands against the blades (14, 16) and a second part of the forage having shorter strands out of the enclosure.

Abstract: A forage distributor for delivering of forage to livestock at a controlled rate. The forage distributor has a hopper for receiving forage, with the hopper having a lateral opening in a side wall thereof. The forage distributor also has a rotary mixer and a forage conveyor for carrying the forage towards the lateral opening. A driving mechanism rotates the rotary mixer and moves the forage conveyor towards the lateral opening. Control means are provided for controlling power provided to the driving mechanism to regulate speeds of the rotary mixer and the forage conveyor. The forage distributor also has a moving mechanism operatively connected to the hopper for moving the hopper along a path extending in front of the livestock.

Abstract: The hay basket is used for distributing hay to livestock scattered along a predetermined path along which an overhead beam extends. The basket comprises a carriage provided with wheels for connecting the basket to the overhead beam and allowing translation of the basket along the beam. A base is located under the carriage and in spaced relationship therewith. A central elongated bar connects the carriage to the base. A hay receiving portion is defined by the base and a plurality of L-shaped elongated members substantially evenly distributed around the base and spaced apart from each other for allowing livestock to eat hay therethrough. Each member has a first end connected to the base and a second end located higher than the base. A rim is provided for linking together the second end of all members. In use, hay is put inside the basket and the basket may be either moved manually, attached to a self-propelled automatic feed distributing apparatus with a drawbar, or provided with a driving mechanism.