A SOUTH Lakeland farmer has been recognised for his technical innovation in contributing to the industry.

Frank Morphet, of Swarthmoor Hall Farm, won gold at the British Farming Awards for his 'Swing Over Feed Cover'.

It is a plastic sheet that operates on a pivot. It either functions as a barrier to keep cows away from the food, or a cover, which comes down over the food like a shelter, keeping it close to the cattle as they eat.

It is designed to keep silage close enough to the cows so they do not strain their necks as they feed.

Waste is also reduced and the rain is kept off and starlings are unable to access the feed.

Mr Morphet, who runs South Lakes Organic Milk, explained: "We've made it plastic so it is easy to lift and easy to clean. When it swings it creates a barrier to keep the cows back while you are putting the feed in. Usually they stick their heads in and push the feed out.

"I was absolutely gobsmacked to win an award for it. It was shocked that we got into the five finalists, but I am very pleased.

"It does help solve a widespread issue. I know some farmers have robotics to push silage, but this is free to operate. There's not much money in farming, so cheap things are better."

Following various versions over the years, Mr Morphet has secured a 10-year patent on the Swing Over cover, which is helping him manage his 160-head organic herd, which produces milk for the family business.

He hopes to attract the interest of investors, who will help him produce the cover for sale to other farmers, many of whom have expressed an interest.

The manually operated cover has a rubber bottom sheet and shelters and presents the forage, which consists of a grass silage and summer dairy cake. Prior to the invention, Frank pushed feed up twice a day, meaning the machine saves an average of an hour a day.

As feed is kept close to cows, they are not made to reach out and rub their necks on the barrier.