6 Best Large Capacity Trough Feeders For Beef Cattle Old Farmers Swear By
Find the right large capacity trough feeder for your herd. We review 6 durable, farmer-approved models built for beef cattle efficiency and longevity.
You’ve watched it happen: a dominant cow shoulders the younger ones away, sending expensive feed scattering into the mud. Or maybe you’re just tired of hauling feed to flimsy troughs that crack after one hard winter. The right trough feeder isn’t just a container; it’s a core tool for managing your herd’s health, your feed costs, and your own valuable time.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Why a Good Trough Feeder Matters for Your Herd
A quality feeder is your first line of defense against feed waste. When cattle can easily push feed out or when the trough itself is poorly designed, you’re literally throwing money on the ground. A well-designed bunk keeps the feed contained, ensuring that what you bought actually goes into your animals.
Beyond cost, it’s about herd health and reducing stress. A large capacity feeder with ample space means less competition and bullying. Timid animals get their fair share, leading to more uniform weight gain across the herd. It also keeps feed off the ground, reducing the risk of contamination from mud and manure, which is a direct path to health problems.
Think of it as an investment in efficiency. A durable, well-placed feeder saves you countless hours in labor. Instead of multiple daily feedings with small containers, you can provide a larger amount of feed that stays clean and accessible, freeing you up for other pressing farm tasks. A good feeder works for you, not the other way around.
Tarter Poly Bunk Feeder: A Versatile Classic
The Tarter poly bunk feeder is a common sight for a reason. Its one-piece, molded polyethylene construction means there are no seams to crack and no bolts to rust. This makes it incredibly easy to clean and exceptionally durable against the elements. It won’t corrode from salt or mineral supplements, a common failure point for steel feeders.
The main advantage here is the balance of durability and practicality. Poly is tough enough to handle bumps from a tractor or a pushy bull, but it’s also lightweight enough for one person to move for pasture rotation or cleaning. The rounded interior corners prevent feed from getting packed in and spoiling, which is a small detail that makes a big difference in reducing waste and mold growth.
However, its lighter weight can be a drawback if not managed. In an open pasture with aggressive cattle, an empty poly feeder can get pushed around. Most farmers solve this by either anchoring it to posts or using the weight of the feed to hold it in place. It’s a simple tradeoff for the benefits of a rust-proof, long-lasting feeder.
Behlen Country Galvanized Feeder for Longevity
When you need something that will stand up to decades of abuse, galvanized steel is the answer. Behlen Country feeders are built from heavy-gauge steel that’s hot-dip galvanized after fabrication. This process coats every edge and weld, providing superior protection against rust and corrosion compared to pre-galvanized sheets.
These feeders are heavy. That weight is a feature, not a bug—they stay put. You won’t find a bull pushing a fully-welded Behlen bunk across the pasture. Their rigid construction also prevents them from bowing or flexing under a heavy load of silage or wet feed, ensuring they maintain their shape year after year.
The primary consideration with steel is eventual rust, especially if the galvanized coating gets deeply scratched. While high-quality galvanizing lasts a very long time, it’s not invincible. They can also be tougher to clean out completely if feed gets caked on, and they are certainly a bigger chore to move. But for a permanent or semi-permanent feeding station, their sheer toughness is unmatched.
Sioux Steel Bottomless Bunk for Easy Feeding
The bottomless bunk is a brilliantly simple design. It’s essentially a heavy-duty frame that sits directly on the ground or on a concrete pad. You fill the bunk, and the ground itself serves as the bottom, eliminating wasted space and making it incredibly easy to load with a tractor bucket.
This design shines in well-drained areas. By placing it on a slight ridge or a gravel pad, you ensure rainwater runs off and the feed stays dry. The main benefit is volume and access. You can pile feed high, and cattle can eat from both sides without having to crane their necks over a high wall. This is particularly useful for feeding bulky forages like haylage or TMR (Total Mixed Ration).
The obvious tradeoff is its lack of portability and the need for a suitable location. You can’t just drop a bottomless bunk in a muddy, low-lying area and expect good results. It requires some site preparation. But if you have a dedicated feeding area, this style minimizes feed loss and maximizes loading efficiency better than almost any other design.
Priefert Bunk Feeder: Built for Tough Use
Priefert is known for building equipment that can handle rough stock, and their bunk feeders are no exception. They often feature a V-shaped bottom, which is a smart design that funnels feed toward the center as it’s consumed. This makes it easier for cattle to clean up every last bit, reducing waste and ensuring all animals get access.
Their construction focuses on reinforcement. You’ll see features like heavy-duty legs, drain holes to prevent water accumulation, and often a powder-coat finish over steel. This finish provides a tough, durable barrier against rust and makes the surface smoother and easier to clean than raw galvanized steel.
These feeders are an excellent middle ground. They offer more structural rigidity than a typical poly feeder but are often more mobile and thoughtfully designed than a basic galvanized trough. They are built with animal behavior in mind, aiming to be as efficient and stress-free as possible. The investment is typically higher, but it pays off in longevity and reduced feed waste.
Hutchison Western Fenceline Feeder System
A fenceline feeder is less a single product and more of a system. Instead of placing a trough in the middle of a pen, these feeders are integrated directly into the fence line. This allows you to fill the bunk from an alleyway or lane outside the pasture, without ever having to enter the pen with the cattle.
This is a massive advantage for safety and efficiency. You can operate a feed wagon or tractor without the stress of navigating around a curious and hungry herd. It dramatically speeds up feeding time and reduces the risk of injury to both farmer and animal. It also keeps heavy equipment from tearing up your pastures.
The main consideration is that this is a permanent installation. It requires planning, posts, and proper installation to be effective. It’s not a solution you can easily move. However, for a planned winter feeding area or a permanent dry lot, a fenceline system is the gold standard for efficient and safe daily feeding.
Applegate Creep Feeder for Calf Management
This feeder serves a very specific and important purpose: feeding calves without the cows getting in. A creep feeder has an enclosure or cage around the feed trough with openings that are large enough for calves to enter but too small for mature cattle. This allows you to provide a high-protein supplement exclusively to your growing calves.
Using a creep feeder can significantly boost calf weaning weights and get them accustomed to eating solid feed, which eases the stress of weaning. It ensures your most valuable feed is going to the animals that will benefit most, rather than being consumed by the entire herd. Applegate models are known for their adjustable creep gates and durable construction, built to withstand curious calves and frustrated cows.
This is a management tool, not a primary herd feeder. It represents an extra step and an added expense. Some producers argue it’s not necessary for all operations, especially if you have excellent pasture. But for those looking to maximize calf growth and prepare them for the next stage, a dedicated creep feeder is an invaluable piece of equipment.
Feeder Placement and Maintenance Best Practices
Where you put your feeder is just as important as which one you buy. Always place troughs in a well-drained, high-traffic area. If you put a feeder in a low spot, it will quickly turn into a mud pit, creating a mess and a potential health hazard for your cattle.
Regular cleaning is non-negotiable. Old, wet feed at the bottom of a bunk can grow mold, which can be toxic to livestock. At least once a week, scoop out any leftover feed and check for spoilage. A simple plastic shovel or a stiff brush works well, especially for poly feeders.
Tackle tough cleaning jobs with this heavy-duty scrub brush set. The stiff bristles and ergonomic, non-slip handle make it easy to power through grime in bathrooms, kitchens, and more.
Finally, think about access and flow.
- Ensure there’s enough space around the entire feeder for multiple animals to eat without being crowded.
- Place it where you can easily get to it with a truck or tractor for filling.
- In larger pastures, consider moving the feeder periodically to prevent a single area from becoming overused and torn up.
Choosing the right feeder comes down to your specific operation—your herd size, your feeding strategy, and your pasture layout. Don’t just buy the cheapest option; consider the long-term savings in feed, labor, and animal health. A feeder that lasts twenty years and saves you 10% on feed is a far better bargain than one you replace every three seasons.
