Apply Stock Control And Records Of Animal Feed In Storage

As feed often makes up between 60% and 70% of the costs of a farming operation, it is critically important that it is correctly stored and used. It is very important that you make sure that you understand the control of feed on a farm. The farmer must always know the rate of the feed-flow on the farm. In other words, the farmer must have full control of the use and supply of feed on his farm. Keeping that in mind, it is important that the people who practically feed the animals on the farm must regularly report to the farmer or manager on the use and stock of feed.

Keep the following records:

• All feeds that are regularly stored should appear as an item on a stock control sheet. Before any new consignment of feed arrives, the existing levels of stock need to be controlled and an area prepared for the new consignment. Do not load fresh food on top of the old food.
• All consignments of feed delivered to the farm need to be checked, as it is off-loaded on the farm. Check that the label corresponds to that on the delivery note. Check the condition of the bags (are they torn, punctured or badly worn?) Count / weigh the feed as it is off-loaded and jot the actual number /weight received down next to the amount on the delivery note. Make a note on the delivery note of any problems encountered. Once the entire load has been checked, the delivery note is signed and a copy is kept for the farm records.
• Whenever feed is taken out to be used in a mix or to be fed, the amount of stock that is removed from the store needs to be jotted on the stock control sheet.
• The stock levels need to be controlled on a regular basis and maintained at a specific level.

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How to control stock levels

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