6 Best Heavy Duty Trough Feeders For Large Animals Old Farmers Swear By
Explore our review of 6 heavy-duty trough feeders for large animals. These farmer-approved models are chosen for their proven durability and longevity.
You walk out to the pasture and see it: the feeder, once again, flipped over and halfway across the field. The morning’s grain is now an expensive treat for the mud and the birds. If you’re raising cattle, horses, or even a rowdy herd of goats, you know that a flimsy feeder is just a toy they’ll eventually destroy. Investing in a heavy-duty trough that can withstand daily abuse isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity that saves feed, time, and your sanity.
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What Makes a Trough Feeder Truly ‘Farmer-Proof’?
A truly ‘farmer-proof’ feeder isn’t just about being heavy. It’s about smart design that anticipates the creative ways livestock try to dismantle things. The material is the first line of defense. You’re looking at either heavy-gauge galvanized steel that can take a beating or a high-density polyethylene (poly) that flexes instead of breaks and won’t rust.
But material is only half the battle. Look at the legs and frame. Are they braced for side-impact from a 1,200-pound cow scratching an itch? A wide, stable base is non-negotiable. Flimsy legs are the first point of failure when an animal decides to lean, push, or stand in the trough.
Finally, consider the small details that make a huge difference in your daily chores. A good drain plug is essential for cleaning out rainwater and slobber without having to tip a 100-pound feeder. Smooth, rounded edges prevent injuries to both you and your animals. A farmer-proof feeder is one that works with you, not against you, day in and day out.
Tarter Galvanized Bunk Feeder: The Timeless Classic
When you picture a classic farm feeder, you’re probably thinking of something like the Tarter galvanized bunk. These things are the workhorses of the farm world for a reason. Built from heavy, corrosion-resistant galvanized steel, they have the heft to stay put. Most animals won’t even bother trying to push it around.
The V-bottom design is a key feature. It funnels feed toward the center, making it easier for animals to clean up every last bit and reducing waste. This is especially important when you’re feeding expensive grain or supplements. The welded steel legs provide a sturdy foundation that resists tipping, even on uneven ground.
The main tradeoff with any steel feeder is the eventual risk of rust, particularly at the welds or if the galvanizing gets deeply scratched. While they last for many, many years, they won’t last forever, especially in consistently wet climates. Still, for sheer durability and weight, the Tarter is a benchmark that other feeders are measured against.
Behlen Country Poly Bunk Feeder: Resists Rust
Polyethylene feeders are the modern answer to rust. The Behlen Country poly bunk feeder offers the toughness you need without the corrosion concerns of steel. The poly liner is slick, making it easy to clean, and it won’t react with mineral supplements or silage, which can be highly corrosive to metal over time.
One of the biggest advantages is its impact resistance. Where a steel feeder might dent or have its coating compromised from a kick, a poly feeder absorbs the blow and flexes. It’s also significantly lighter than its steel counterparts, which is a huge benefit if you need to move your feeders frequently for rotational grazing.
The lighter weight is also its primary weakness. A determined bull or a group of boisterous yearlings can shove a poly feeder around if it’s not well-placed or weighed down. Some farmers solve this by drilling holes and staking them down, but it’s a consideration. If rust is your primary enemy, poly is your best friend.
Little Giant Heavy-Duty Steel Fence Line Feeder
Fence line feeders are a game-changer for efficiency. The Little Giant steel model is designed to hang securely on a fence or rail, allowing you to fill it from outside the pen or pasture. This is a massive safety and time-saving feature, as you don’t have to enter an enclosure with eager, hungry animals crowding you.
These feeders are built tough, usually from a single piece of heavy-gauge steel to minimize weak points. Because they are mounted off the ground, they prevent animals from stepping in and soiling the feed, which drastically cuts down on waste and health risks. They also keep the feed away from ground moisture.
The main consideration here is your setup. You need a sturdy fence or rail capable of supporting the weight of the feeder plus a full load of feed. They are not ideal for open pasture situations where you need a freestanding feeder. But for barns, paddocks, or sacrifice lots, a fence line feeder streamlines your chores like nothing else.
Sioux Steel Hefty Bunk Feeder for Tough Herds
Some animals are just harder on equipment. For bulls, large horse herds, or bison, you need to bring in the big guns, and that’s where the Sioux Steel Hefty Bunk shines. These feeders are over-engineered for maximum abuse, often featuring extra-thick steel and heavily reinforced frames that look like they belong on a bridge.
The design often includes a poly liner set within that ultra-durable steel frame, giving you the best of both worlds: a non-corrosive, easy-to-clean feed surface and a nearly indestructible structure. The legs are typically splayed wider and built from thicker steel tubing to create an incredibly stable base that dares an animal to try and tip it.
This level of durability comes with a higher price tag and significant weight. You won’t be casually moving a Sioux Steel feeder by yourself. But it’s a "buy it once, cry once" investment. If you’ve had other feeders bent, broken, or flipped by your toughest animals, this is the permanent solution.
High Country Plastics Feeder for Corrosive Feeds
Not all feed is created equal. If you’re feeding wet distillers grains, silage, or certain mineral mixes with high salt content, you’ve probably seen them eat right through a galvanized steel feeder in just a few seasons. This is where a specialized feeder like one from High Country Plastics becomes essential.
These feeders are made from virgin polyethylene that is specifically formulated to be chemically inert and resistant to corrosion. Unlike metal, the poly won’t break down or leach anything into the feed. They are designed with animal safety in mind, featuring rounded edges and a one-piece construction that eliminates seams or bolts where feed can get trapped and mold.
While they may not have the sheer weight of a steel feeder, their durability comes from their material science. They are built for a specific, harsh purpose. If your feeding program involves anything acidic or highly corrosive, choosing a feeder designed for it will save you money on replacements down the road.
Rubbermaid Structural Foam Stock Tank as a Feeder
Sometimes the best tool for the job isn’t the one designed for it. Old farmers know that the black Rubbermaid structural foam stock tanks make for incredible, nearly indestructible ground feeders. These tanks are built to hold hundreds of gallons of water and withstand freezing, thawing, and being kicked by livestock.
Their seamless, molded construction means there are no weak points. The structural foam material is surprisingly flexible, absorbing impacts that would dent steel or crack rigid plastic. They are impervious to rust and corrosion, easy to clean with a hose, and have a built-in drain plug. Plus, their low, wide profile makes them extremely difficult for animals to tip over.
The only real downside is that they aren’t designed as feeders, so they lack features like a V-bottom for funneling feed. Grain can get pushed into the corners. However, for feeding hay, cubes, or other bulk rations to a group, their sheer toughness and longevity make them a fantastic, practical, and often more affordable alternative to purpose-built troughs.
Choosing Your Feeder: Material and Design Factors
Making the right choice comes down to balancing your specific needs against the strengths and weaknesses of each type of feeder. There is no single "best" feeder, only the best one for your farm, your animals, and your feeding style. Think through these key factors before you buy.
First, consider the material. The central conflict is steel versus poly.
- Steel: Extremely heavy and durable, resists being pushed. Prone to eventual rust, especially with corrosive feeds or in wet climates.
- Poly: Rust-proof, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight for easy moving. Can be pushed around by aggressive animals if not anchored.
Next, evaluate the design based on your setup. Are you feeding in an open pasture or along a fence line?
- Bunk Feeders: Freestanding and versatile. Can be placed anywhere but require you to enter the pasture to fill them.
- Fence Line Feeders: Safer and faster to fill from outside the enclosure. Requires a strong, permanent fence for mounting.
Finally, match the feeder to your herd and your feed. A feeder that’s perfect for a calm herd of sheep will be destroyed by a few rowdy bulls. Likewise, a standard galvanized feeder won’t last long if you’re feeding acidic silage every day. Be realistic about how much abuse the feeder will take. A bigger investment upfront in a tougher feeder almost always pays off in the long run.
A feeder is more than just a container; it’s a critical piece of farm infrastructure that impacts your bottom line and daily workload. Choosing one that can stand up to your animals and the elements means less wasted feed, fewer repairs, and more time spent on other tasks. The old farmers got it right: buy the toughest one you can afford, and it will pay you back for years to come.
