Visitors to the 2026 Nakuru ASK Show had an opportunity to learn about one of the most important farm machines for livestock farmers—the chaff cutter. At the exhibition, Mkulima Digital visited a machinery stand where experts demonstrated how the machine efficiently chops fodder into small, uniform pieces, making livestock feeding easier and more productive.
The machine is designed to chop a wide range of forage materials, including Napier grass, maize stalks, sorghum, sugarcane tops, and other pasture crops. Powered by a petrol or diesel engine, the chaff cutter reduces the time and labour required to prepare animal feed compared to manual cutting.
According to the presenters, chopped fodder is easier for cows, sheep, and goats to consume and digest. This encourages animals to eat more, resulting in improved nutrition, increased milk production in dairy cows, faster weight gain in beef cattle, and healthier livestock overall. The machine also minimizes feed wastage because animals are less likely to reject chopped forage.
Another key advantage highlighted during the demonstration is its role in silage making. Finely chopped forage is easier to compact during silage preparation, reducing air pockets and producing high-quality preserved feed for use during dry seasons.
The experts encouraged livestock farmers to embrace mechanized feeding technologies to improve farm efficiency and reduce production costs. Although purchasing a chaff cutter requires an initial investment, it saves money over time by lowering labour expenses and reducing fodder losses.
The demonstration impressed many farmers who appreciated how a simple machine can transform livestock production. Through such innovations showcased at the Nakuru ASK Show, Mkulima Digital continues to highlight modern farming technologies that empower farmers to increase productivity, improve animal welfare, and strengthen Kenya's food security.
