6 Best Coarse Grinders For Making Textured Feeds Old Farmers Swear By
Crafting ideal textured feed requires a reliable coarse grinder. We explore the 6 best models that seasoned farmers depend on for quality and durability.
You look at your feed bill and wonder if there’s a better way, or you watch your chickens pick through their commercial crumble, leaving the dusty bits behind. Grinding your own feed isn’t just about saving a few dollars; it’s about giving your animals exactly what they need in a form their bodies are designed to handle. The right coarse grinder turns whole grains into a vibrant, textured feed that promotes better health from the inside out.
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Why Coarse, Textured Feed Matters for Livestock
Fine powders are the enemy of a healthy digestive system. For poultry, a dusty, flour-like feed can lead to impacted crops or "pasty beak," where feed cakes around their nostrils. A coarse, cracked grain encourages natural scratching and pecking behavior, ensuring they eat the whole ration.
It’s even more critical for ruminants like goats and sheep. Their rumen is a fermentation vat that thrives on fiber and larger particles. Coarse feed requires more chewing, which produces saliva—a natural buffer that prevents acidosis. A textured chop, rather than a fine meal, supports a robust population of gut microbes responsible for breaking down forage and unlocking nutrients.
Ultimately, processing your own grains gives you complete control. You can mix oats, corn, barley, and protein sources like sunflower seeds or field peas to create a custom blend for different seasons or life stages. You know exactly what’s in it because you put it there.
Corona Mill: The Classic for Cracked Corn & Grains
If you’re just starting to grind your own feed, the Corona mill is the gateway. It’s an affordable, simple, cast-iron grinder that clamps onto a sturdy table or workbench. Its entire purpose is to take something whole and make it smaller, and for cracking corn for chickens, it does the job admirably.
Don’t expect perfection here. The grind consistency can be a bit variable, and it’s not designed for making fine flour for your kitchen. But that’s its strength for this task. Its slightly uneven output is perfect for a textured scratch grain.
This is a hand-powered tool, meaning you’re in control of the speed, and it works anywhere without electricity. It requires some elbow grease, but for a small flock of chickens or a pair of goats, it’s a practical and budget-friendly way to turn a bag of whole corn into fresh, nutritious feed. Many an old-timer has one of these bolted to a bench in the barn for good reason.
WonderMill Junior Deluxe: Heirloom-Quality Versatility
The WonderMill Junior is a serious step up in both price and capability. This isn’t just a feed grinder; it’s an heirloom-quality mill designed to last for generations. Its biggest advantage is the inclusion of two sets of grinding burrs: stone and stainless steel.
For livestock feed, you’ll be using the stainless steel burrs. They are fantastic for producing a consistent coarse grind and have no trouble with oily seeds like sunflower or flax, which can gum up other mills. This allows you to easily add high-fat energy sources to your winter poultry feed. The adjustment is precise, letting you dial in the exact texture you want, from a light crack to a small chop.
The real value for a hobby farmer is its dual-purpose nature. Swap in the stone burrs, and you have a high-quality flour mill for your kitchen. On a small farm, every tool needs to justify its space and cost, and the WonderMill Junior does double duty, processing food for both your animals and your family. It’s an investment in self-sufficiency.
CS Bell No. 60: The Heavy-Duty, Farm-Tough Choice
When you move past grinding a few scoops and start processing 50-pound sacks of grain, you need real farm equipment. The CS Bell No. 60 is that tool. Made of heavy-duty American cast iron, this grinder is built for high volume and continuous use.
This mill is designed to be motorized. While it comes with a handle, its true potential is unlocked by hooking it up to an electric motor with a v-belt and pulley. This transforms it into a machine that can tear through a bag of corn or oats in minutes, not hours. The grinding plates are adjustable, giving you reliable control over the coarseness of your final product.
The No. 60 isn’t for the hobbyist with six chickens. It’s for the small farmer with a mixed flock, a few dairy goats, and maybe a pair of pigs. It’s a commitment to on-farm feed production at a meaningful scale, and its rugged, simple construction means it will likely outlast you.
Lehman’s Own Hand Mill: A Simple, Reliable Grinder
Lehman’s has built its reputation on providing simple, durable tools for a self-sufficient life, and their hand grain mill is a perfect example. It sits comfortably between the entry-level Corona and the more complex WonderMill. It’s a straightforward, high-quality cast-iron grinder that does one job and does it exceptionally well.
This mill is built for reliability. The construction is solid, the adjustments are easy to make, and it produces a consistent, coarse grind perfect for animal feed. It’s a significant upgrade in quality and ease of use from cheaper alternatives, without the higher price tag and extra features of a multi-purpose mill.
Think of it as the perfect dedicated feed grinder for a serious homesteader. It’s robust enough to handle daily use for a small herd or flock and simple enough that there’s very little that can go wrong with it. It’s a testament to the idea that the right tool is often the simplest one.
Valley Oak Tool Co. Mill for Consistent Coarse Feeds
For the farmer who values precision, the mill from Valley Oak Tool Co. is a standout. This machine is engineered from the ground up with a focus on producing an exceptionally consistent coarse grind. Where other mills are often adapted from flour-making designs, this one feels purpose-built for creating high-quality textured feed.
The design emphasizes ease of use and repeatability. The adjustment mechanism is robust and allows you to lock in your preferred texture, so your chicken scratch or goat chop is the same every single time. This consistency can be crucial when you’re trying to ensure all animals are getting a balanced ration.
Built in the USA from quality materials, this is another lifetime investment. It’s for the discerning hobby farmer who has moved beyond simply "cracking corn" and is now focused on optimizing their feed program. It’s a precision instrument for a practical task.
Getting the Right Texture: Tips for Your Grinder
Owning a great grinder is only half the battle; using it correctly makes all the difference. The most important rule is to start with the grinding plates set wide and gradually tighten them. This prevents you from accidentally making flour, jamming the mill, or putting unnecessary strain on the equipment.
Before you grind a whole bag of grain, run a small test batch. Grab a handful, run it through, and inspect the result. Is it cracked enough? Too fine? Adjust the plates and try again. Once you find the perfect setting for your chicken scratch or dairy ration, make a note of it. Some folks put a small scratch or a dab of paint on the adjustment knob as a reference point.
Remember that different grains crack differently. Hard winter wheat will need a different setting than soft oats or large dent corn. Take the time to dial in the texture for each component of your feed mix for the best results.
Long-Term Care for Your Cast-Iron Grain Mill
A cast-iron grain mill is a tool you buy for life, but it needs basic care to get there. The number one rule is to keep it dry. Water is the enemy of cast iron, so cleaning should be done with a stiff brush, not a wet cloth. A brush will remove 99% of the dust and particles left behind.
After grinding oily seeds like sunflower, you may notice some residue building up on the burrs. The easiest way to clean this is to run a handful of a dry, hard grain like rice or wheat through the mill. It acts as a gentle abrasive, scrubbing the plates clean without any disassembly.
For long-term storage, especially in a humid barn or basement, rust prevention is key. After brushing it clean, wipe the metal parts, particularly the grinding plates, with a light coat of food-grade mineral oil or even just plain vegetable oil. This creates a barrier against moisture and ensures your grinder is ready to work when you are.
Happy Belly Soybean Oil is a light-tasting and versatile cooking oil, perfect for frying and everyday use. This cholesterol-free oil contains 14g total fat per serving.
Choosing the right grinder comes down to your scale, your budget, and your long-term goals. Whether it’s a simple Corona for a backyard flock or a motorized CS Bell for a small farm, the principle is the same. Taking control of your feed program is one of the most rewarding steps toward greater self-sufficiency and healthier, happier livestock.
