9 Pieces of Gear for Raising Livestock on a Small Farm

Bringing your first animals home is a landmark day on any small farm, a moment filled with excitement and possibility. But that excitement can quickly turn to frustration if you’re not prepared for the daily realities of their care. Having the right gear on hand from day one isn’t a luxury; it’s the foundation for safe, efficient, and enjoyable livestock management.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Essential Gear for Your First Livestock

Starting with livestock is less about the animals themselves and more about the systems you build to support them. Before your sheep, goats, or calves ever set foot on your property, their basic needs for containment, water, and food must be met. Trying to figure out fencing or a water source with animals already in the field is a recipe for stress and potential disaster. Investing in core equipment upfront prevents escapes, ensures access to clean water, and minimizes feed waste from the very beginning.

This isn’t about buying the most expensive equipment, but the right equipment for a small-scale operation. The gear you need is durable enough for daily use, versatile enough to adapt as your farm grows, and simple enough for one person to manage. Each piece, from the fence charger to the manure fork, solves a specific, recurring problem. Getting these fundamentals right allows you to focus less on chores and emergencies and more on the health and productivity of your animals.

Electric Fencing – Premier 1 ElectroNet Plus Fencing

For rotational grazing on a small farm, nothing beats the flexibility of electric netting. It allows you to create paddocks of any shape in minutes, providing fresh forage, breaking parasite cycles, and keeping animals out of sensitive areas. Unlike permanent fencing, you can move it daily or weekly, making it the single most powerful tool for managing pasture and soil health on a small scale.

The Premier 1 ElectroNet Plus Fencing is the go-to choice for a reason. Its semi-rigid vertical stays, or "struts," prevent the common sagging that plagues cheaper netting, reducing the chance of animals getting tangled or the fence shorting out on vegetation. The 12 horizontal strands are effective for a wide range of animals, from poultry to sheep and goats, and the built-in step-in posts make setup and takedown incredibly fast.

Before you buy, know that electric netting is a complete system. It is useless without a properly sized fence charger and good grounding. You’ll also need to mow a path for the fence line to prevent grass from touching the bottom hot wire and draining the energy. There’s a learning curve for both you and the animals, but once they are trained to respect the fence, it provides a secure and highly effective psychological barrier. This is the ideal solution for farmers actively managing their pastures, but it is overkill for simply containing animals in a permanent dry lot.

Fence Charger – Gallagher S40 Solar Fence Energizer

An electric fence is only as good as the shock it delivers, and that shock comes from the charger, or energizer. A weak or unreliable charger teaches livestock that the fence is merely a suggestion, leading to constant testing and eventual escapes. For portable netting that you move around your property, a solar charger is essential, freeing you from the constraints of extension cords and electrical outlets.

The Gallagher S40 Solar Fence Energizer hits the sweet spot for small farms. It packs enough punch (0.40 joules) to power several rolls of netting, making it perfect for strip-grazing sheep, goats, or containing poultry. Its integrated solar panel, battery, and post mount create a compact, all-in-one unit that you can carry with one hand and set up in seconds. The unit is fully weatherproof and includes a battery-saver mode that extends life during cloudy periods.

A solar charger’s performance depends entirely on two things: sunlight and grounding. You must install a proper ground rod—a short metal stake will not do the job—and ensure the panel faces the sun for most of the day. The S40 has a flashing indicator light that shows you it’s working, a simple feature that saves you from second-guessing your fence’s status. It’s the perfect power source for graziers who need a reliable, portable, and self-contained energizer for rotational systems up to 25 acres.

Water Trough – Rubbermaid Commercial Stock Tank

Clean, accessible water is the most important nutrient you can provide your livestock. Animals with inadequate water access will eat less, produce less, and are more susceptible to illness. A good water trough needs to be indestructible, easy to clean, and safe for animals—three things that define the classic Rubbermaid stock tank.

The Rubbermaid Commercial Stock Tank is a farm staple because its structural foam construction is superior to metal or cheap plastic. It resists cracking in freezing temperatures, won’t rust or corrode from mineralized water, and can withstand being kicked, pushed, and leaned on by animals. The slick interior and oversized drain plug make the dreaded task of scrubbing algae significantly faster and easier.

Choosing a size is key. A 50- or 100-gallon tank is ample for a small flock of sheep or herd of goats, providing enough volume to stay cool in summer without becoming a stagnant pond. Always place the tank on level ground to prevent tipping and consider adding a float valve connected to a hose for automatic refilling. For winter use in cold climates, you will need to add a compatible tank de-icer. This tank is a lifetime investment for any livestock owner; it’s one of the few pieces of gear you will buy once and use forever.

Bunk Feeder – Tarter 5’ Galvanized Bunk Feeder

Feeding animals on the ground is a recipe for waste and disease. It leads to feed being trampled into the mud, contaminated with manure, and encourages bullying where dominant animals push smaller ones away. A bunk feeder elevates the feed, providing a clean and dedicated space for animals to eat, ensuring every dollar you spend on nutrition ends up in the right place.

The Tarter 5’ Galvanized Bunk Feeder is an excellent choice for small ruminants or calves. Its heavy-duty galvanized steel construction ensures it will last for years out in the elements without rusting through. The V-shaped bottom funnels feed toward the center, keeping it within easy reach for the animals and making it simple to see how much they’ve consumed. The wide, sturdy legs prevent all but the most determined animals from tipping it over.

This 5-foot model provides enough space for about 4-6 sheep or goats to eat comfortably at once. It’s heavy enough to stay put but light enough for one person to flip over for cleaning or to move to a new paddock. This feeder is specifically designed for grain, pellets, or other concentrates. If you are primarily feeding hay, a different style of feeder, like a hay rack or basket, will be more effective at reducing waste.

Tips for Safe and Effective Animal Handling

The best gear in the world is useless without understanding the animals you’re working with. Safe, low-stress handling is a skill that protects both you and your livestock. It’s built on the principle of working with an animal’s natural instincts, not against them.

First, understand the "flight zone"—the invisible bubble of personal space around an animal. When you step inside it, the animal will move away. By positioning yourself at the edge of this zone, you can guide animals forward without chasing or panic. Use your body position to apply "pressure" and then "release" that pressure as soon as the animal moves in the desired direction. This is how you communicate.

Always move slowly and deliberately. Quick movements and loud noises signal danger and will make animals anxious and unpredictable. Before you try to sort, treat, or move animals, have a clear plan. Set up your gates and temporary pens ahead of time so the path is obvious. A calm handler creates calm animals, which are safer, healthier, and far easier to manage.

Manure Fork – Truper Forged 5-Tine Bedding Fork

Managing manure is a non-negotiable, often daily, part of raising livestock in a barn or coop. Using the wrong tool for the job turns a quick chore into a back-breaking ordeal. A bedding fork is specifically designed to lift manure and soiled bedding while allowing clean, dry material to fall through, saving you time, effort, and money on bedding.

The Truper Forged 5-Tine Bedding Fork is a workhorse tool that outclasses cheaper, stamped-metal forks. Its forged steel head is significantly stronger, allowing you to pry up heavy, compacted, or frozen bedding without bending the tines. The slightly curved tines form a "basket" shape that efficiently scoops and sifts material. Paired with a durable hardwood handle, it feels balanced and solid in your hands.

This is not a pitchfork, which has thin, sharp tines for piercing loose hay. The wider, flatter tines of a bedding fork are for scooping. This tool is essential for anyone cleaning horse stalls, goat pens, or using the deep litter method in a chicken coop. It’s a simple piece of gear, but a high-quality one makes a massive difference in the efficiency of your daily chores.

Wheelbarrow – True Temper 6 cu. ft. Steel Wheelbarrow

On a small farm, the wheelbarrow is your truck. It hauls everything: bags of feed, tools, fencing supplies, firewood, and, of course, endless loads of manure. A flimsy, homeowner-grade wheelbarrow will quickly fail under the demands of farm life, which is why a contractor-grade model with a steel tray is a wise investment.

The True Temper 6 cu. ft. Steel Wheelbarrow is the standard for a reason. Its seamless steel tray can handle sharp rocks, heavy tools, and abrasive materials without cracking or puncturing like a poly tray might. The 6 cubic foot capacity is the perfect balance—large enough to move a meaningful amount of material but not so large that a full load of wet manure becomes impossible for one person to handle. The single-wheel design is far more maneuverable on uneven pasture and narrow paths than a two-wheeled cart.

The biggest weakness of any wheelbarrow is a flat tire. Keep the pneumatic tire properly inflated for easier rolling, or consider investing in a flat-free tire as an upgrade to eliminate the issue entirely. This is one of the most frequently used tools on any farm, and investing in a sturdy, reliable model like this one will pay dividends in saved time and frustration for years to come.

Hoof Care – Premier 1 Supplies Hoof Trimmers

For sheep and goats, proper hoof care is as critical as food and water. Overgrown hooves can lead to foot rot, abscesses, and lameness, causing chronic pain and reducing the animal’s ability to forage. Regular trimming is a mandatory management task, and having a sharp, purpose-built tool makes the job faster, safer, and more precise.

Premier 1 Supplies Hoof Trimmers (often the ARS brand they carry) are the right tool for the job. Unlike bulky garden shears, these trimmers have sharp, narrow blades that allow you to make small, precise cuts to trim the hoof wall level with the sole. The high-carbon steel holds a sharp edge, reducing the force needed to make a clean cut and minimizing the chance of crushing or splitting the hoof. The ergonomic, non-slip handles provide excellent control, which is critical when you’re working on a squirming animal.

Hoof trimming is a skill that requires practice. Before your first trim, watch several instructional videos from reputable sources and, if possible, have an experienced shepherd or veterinarian show you the proper technique. Always clean and disinfect the trimmers between animals to prevent the spread of disease. This isn’t a task to be taken lightly, but with the right tool and a bit of knowledge, it’s a manageable and essential part of small ruminant care.

Animal Halter – Weaver Leather Adjustable Nylon Halter

A halter is the steering wheel for your livestock. It provides a safe and humane way to lead, tie, and control an animal for examination, treatment, or transport. Training an animal to lead calmly on a halter is a foundational skill that makes countless other management tasks—from hoof trimming to loading a trailer—infinitely easier and less stressful for everyone involved.

The Weaver Leather Adjustable Nylon Halter offers the ideal combination of strength, durability, and flexibility for farm use. Unlike leather, the double-ply nylon won’t dry out or crack when it gets wet and muddy, and it’s easy to clean. The adjustable design at the crown and chin allows you to get a perfect fit on a growing animal or use the same halter on multiple animals of similar size. It’s finished with solid brass hardware that won’t rust and break over time.

Proper fit is paramount. A halter should be snug enough that it won’t slip off or get caught on a fence post, but not so tight that it chafes or restricts breathing—you should be able to fit two fingers comfortably underneath. Halters are for handling, not for turnout. Never leave a halter on an animal unattended in a pasture, as it poses a serious risk of getting snagged. This is a must-have for anyone with goats, sheep, calves, or other livestock that require individual handling.

Fencing Tool – Crescent 10-1/4" Fence Tool Pliers

On a farm, a fence is never truly finished; it’s a living system that constantly needs maintenance. A fallen tree, a determined animal, or simple wear and tear means you will be repairing fence. The Crescent Fence Tool is a specialized multi-tool that combines every essential function for working with woven or high-tensile wire fencing into a single, robust piece of steel.

This one tool replaces a whole toolbox. It has a milled hammer face for driving staples, a staple-pulling claw for disassembly, heavy-duty wire cutters near the pivot, and multiple grips for pulling, stretching, and twisting wire. Carrying this one tool in your back pocket saves you endless trips back to the workshop to grab a hammer, then pliers, then cutters.

This tool is specifically for permanent wire fencing—it is not used for portable electric netting. Its heavy, forged-steel construction is designed for high-strain work like stretching and crimping heavy-gauge wire. If you have any amount of T-post and wire fence on your property, this tool is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. It turns a frustrating repair job into a much more streamlined and efficient task.

Building Your Kit for Long-Term Success

Assembling your livestock gear is about building a system that works for you and your land. The goal is to invest in quality, multi-purpose tools that reduce your daily workload and improve your animals’ quality of life. Start with the non-negotiable fundamentals: secure fencing, clean water, and a way to provide feed without waste.

From there, expand your kit based on the specific needs of your animals. Sheep and goats demand hoof care. Any animal you need to lead requires a halter. Every farm needs a way to manage manure and move materials. By choosing durable, well-made tools, you spend less time repairing or replacing broken gear and more time observing your animals and improving your pastures.

Focus on efficiency and effectiveness. A good solar fence charger saves you from running cords. A well-designed bunk feeder saves you money on feed. A sharp pair of hoof trimmers makes a difficult chore manageable. Each piece is a long-term investment in a smoother, more sustainable, and more rewarding farming operation.

Your tools are your partners in the daily work of farming, and choosing wisely sets the stage for success. With this core kit, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the fundamental tasks of raising healthy livestock. From there, you can confidently build upon this foundation as your farm and flock continue to grow.