This winter is going to be an expensive one, when it comes to feed bills. But here is a suggestion for the smallholder that might just soften the blow. Wherever you have space, lightly cultivate the soil and sow something like (fodder rape, kale, or winter greens). The seed is cheap to buy and are very fast growing. Ideal winter grazing for Sheep and Poultry. Depending on the weather, you might even be able to get a second grazing spell in early spring.
This concept works brilliantly well on allotments if you put it into your crop rotation. As you harvest your summer crops, you can sow these greens in succession. Then graze them off with your poultry. In the spring you can then dig them into the soil. This will improve your soil fertility and you have had the benefit of nutrient rich poultry manure added to the plot. All this, and a reduced winter feed bill, perfect…