6 Best Burlap Grain Bags For Goats That Old Farmers Swear By

You’ve seen it before: a brand-new bag of goat feed ruined by condensation inside a plastic tote, or shredded by a determined mouse who chewed right through the paper. Storing feed isn’t just about keeping it contained; it’s about keeping it fresh, dry, and safe. This is where old-school wisdom meets modern-day practicality, and why a simple burlap bag is often the best tool for the job.

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Why Burlap Beats Plastic for Storing Goat Feed

Plastic containers seem like the obvious choice for feed storage. They’re waterproof and seal tightly. But that’s precisely the problem. Any bit of moisture trapped inside—from the feed itself or the ambient air—has nowhere to go, creating a perfect environment for mold and mildew.

Burlap, made from natural jute fibers, is breathable. It allows air to circulate, wicking away trace moisture and preventing the stale, musty smell that develops in sealed containers. This keeps your grain fresh and palatable, which means less waste and healthier animals. Goats can be picky eaters, and they’ll turn their noses up at feed that smells even slightly off.

Furthermore, burlap is surprisingly tough. While a mouse can chew through a thin plastic bin or a paper sack in minutes, they find the coarse, fibrous texture of burlap far less appealing. It’s not rodent-proof, but it is a significant deterrent. A good burlap bag can be dragged across a barn floor, tossed in a truck bed, and used for years without falling apart.

Dayton Bag & Burlap: The Classic Farm Standard

When you think of a generic, no-nonsense burlap bag, you’re probably picturing something from Dayton. They are the baseline for farm and feed sacks for a reason. They’re reliable, affordable, and built for function over form.

These bags typically come in a standard 7oz or 8.5oz weight, which is perfectly adequate for holding a 50lb bag of pelleted feed or whole grains. The weave is tight enough to hold feed without excessive dust loss, but loose enough to provide excellent airflow. There are no bells or whistles here.

Consider this your go-to for everyday feed storage. If you’re simply emptying paper sacks into something more durable for your feed room, a standard Dayton bag is all you need. It’s the dependable workhorse that has served farmers well for generations.

Sandbaggy 10oz Burlap Bags for High Durability

Moving up in toughness, you get to the 10oz weight bags, and Sandbaggy is a name that consistently delivers on durability. That "10oz" refers to the weight of the fabric per square yard. A higher number means a denser, stronger, and more tightly woven material.

This extra heft makes a real difference. If you’re regularly transporting feed, dragging bags from the shed to the pasture, or need something that can withstand more abuse, the 10oz bag is a smart upgrade. The tighter weave also means less dust sifts through, which is a nice bonus for keeping your feed room or truck bed cleaner.

Think of this as the heavy-duty option for the working hobby farm. It’s a bit of an investment compared to a standard bag, but its resistance to snags, tears, and general wear makes it last significantly longer. If your bags are constantly on the move, this is the one to get.

INSONSHINE Natural Jute Sacks: A Food-Safe Pick

For those who are meticulous about what comes into contact with their animal’s feed, an untreated, food-grade bag is essential. INSONSHINE and similar brands specialize in sacks made from 100% natural jute with no chemical treatments, dyes, or synthetic additives. They are clean, safe, and ready for feed right out of the box.

These bags often have a distinct, earthy smell, which is the natural scent of the jute fiber. This is a good sign—it means it hasn’t been treated with chemicals to mask odors. They are perfect for storing expensive organic feeds, medicated pellets, or special mixes where you want to eliminate any risk of contamination.

The tradeoff for being completely natural is that they may shed a bit more fiber initially than a treated bag. However, for peace of mind, especially with sensitive animals or for storing feed for dairy goats, a food-safe bag is a non-negotiable.

Commercial-Grade 12oz Bags for Heavy Daily Use

When 10oz isn’t enough, 12oz burlap is the next step up. This is commercial-grade material, designed for the most demanding situations. The fabric is incredibly thick and tightly woven, offering maximum protection against punctures and abrasion.

You don’t need a 12oz bag for simply storing feed in a corner. You choose this bag when it’s part of your daily workflow. It’s for the farmer who buys bulk ingredients and is constantly scooping, moving, and refilling, or for someone who needs to store sharp, textured feed like whole sunflower seeds or cracked corn that can wear out thinner bags.

This is overkill for many, but for a high-traffic operation, it’s a smart investment. These bags are built to be a permanent piece of your equipment, not a disposable container. They cost more upfront, but their lifespan can be measured in years, not seasons.

Mill-Treated Burlap Bags: Understanding the Pros

You’ll often see bags described as "mill-treated" or "hydrocarbon-free." This can be confusing, but it’s an important distinction. Traditionally, burlap was processed using mineral oil-based lubricants to make the tough jute fibers easier to weave. That process left a petroleum odor and residue.

Modern "mill-treated" bags use a food-grade, vegetable oil-based treatment instead. This process makes the bags cleaner, drastically reduces loose fibers and dust, and eliminates the chemical smell. It’s a significant improvement for air quality in your feed room and for anyone with respiratory sensitivities.

While not as pure as a completely untreated bag, a hydrocarbon-free treated bag is a fantastic middle ground. It offers the cleanliness and low-shedding properties that make it pleasant to handle, without the potential risks of old-school chemical treatments. For most applications, this is a safe and practical choice.

Repurposed Coffee Bean Sacks: A Thrifty Choice

Nothing says resourceful like turning someone else’s trash into your treasure. Used coffee bean sacks are an excellent, low-cost option for feed storage. They are, by necessity, made from high-quality, durable burlap to survive international shipping while holding 100+ pounds of beans.

The biggest pro is the price—you can often get them for free or a few dollars from a local coffee roaster. They’re also incredibly strong and often feature unique prints and designs. However, they come with caveats. They will absolutely smell strongly of coffee, and they may contain bean chaff and dust that needs to be thoroughly shaken or washed out.

Before using one, turn it inside out and give it a vigorous shake and brushing. Some people prefer to pressure wash them and let them air dry completely. If you don’t mind the coffee aroma and are willing to do a little prep work, these sacks are a fantastic, sustainable choice that embodies the spirit of hobby farming.

What to Check Before Buying Your Burlap Bags

Not all burlap is created equal. Before you buy, a quick check of a few key details will ensure you get the right bag for your needs and avoid frustration later. The right choice depends entirely on how you plan to use it.

First, consider the intended use. Is this for long-term storage in a dry room, or will you be hauling it around daily? Your answer will guide you on what to prioritize, whether it’s breathability, sheer toughness, or food-grade purity.

Keep these factors in mind when making your selection:

• Fabric Weight: Measured in ounces (oz). 7oz is standard for light use, 10oz is a durable all-rounder, and 12oz is for heavy, abrasive use.
• Treatment: Look for "untreated" or "hydrocarbon-free." Avoid bags that have a chemical or petroleum smell, as they are likely old-stock, mineral-oil-treated bags not intended for feed.
• Stitching: Check the seams. A double-stitched bottom seam provides far more strength and blowout protection than a single stitch, especially for heavy loads.
• Size: Ensure the dimensions will comfortably hold the amount of feed you buy. A bag designed for 50lbs of sand may not fit 50lbs of bulky, pelleted goat feed.

Ultimately, the humble burlap bag is a testament to how simple, well-designed tools endure. By choosing the right one for your specific needs—whether it’s a tough-as-nails 12oz bag or a repurposed coffee sack—you’re not just storing feed. You’re investing in a system that keeps your animals healthy and makes your daily chores just a little bit easier.