THE region’s livestock farmers have the opportunity to view a revolutionary cattle housing system at an open day at Bays Leap Farm, Heddon-on-theWall, Northumberland, on Wednesday.

The Roundhouse concept was designed by Barnard Castle-based Simpson & Allison (S&A) to provide an easy-tomanage and environmentallyfriendly building for beef and dairy cattle. The system has also been used to house sheep and deer and is currently being used at Bays Leap to rear calves and young stock.

The building has been in use at Bays Leap for more than 12 months and dairy farmer Chris McDonald is delighted with its design and adaptability.

He said: “The Roundhouse has proven to be a huge success and managing the animals is very simple, quick and efficient.

The building is ideal in terms of feeding as well as providing environmental, ventilation and space requirements.”

Bays Leap currently milks 500 dairy cows and the Roundhouse has the capacity to rear all of the farm’s 200 heifer calves from one day old to 12 months.

Simon Pelly, marketing manager for Roundhouse Building Solutions – a division of S&A – said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming farmers to Bays Leap and viewing the building from a practical perspective.

Proceedings will be very informal and visitors can come and go throughout the day.

“We’ve had immense interest in the Roundhouse concept and the building’s multi-functional capability is clearly suited to all forms of livestock housing and young stock rearing.”

The event runs from 10am to 4pm and Bays Leap Farm is next to the A69 at Heddon-onthe-Wall. Light refreshments will be available. Further information from Mr Pelly on 01833- 696928.