6 Best Feed Pan Molds For Custom Livestock Feeders

Imagine walking into the paddock only to find a plastic feed tub tossed halfway across the field and the expensive grain trampled into the mud. Lightweight feeders are the bane of the small-scale producer, especially when dealing with pushy goats or heavy-headed cattle. Casting custom concrete feed pans using high-quality molds is the most cost-effective way to ensure feed stays where it belongs: in the dish and off the ground.

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Tuff Stuff Heavy-Duty 5-Gallon Rubber Mold

The Tuff Stuff 5-Gallon Rubber Mold is the gold standard for those needing a deep, substantial feeder. Its thick rubber walls withstand the weight of wet concrete without bowing, ensuring a uniform shape every time. The flexibility of the material allows for an easy release once the mixture has fully cured, saving time and frustration.

This mold is particularly useful for creating mineral feeders that need to stay stationary in high-wind areas. Because it holds five gallons, the resulting concrete pan is heavy enough to discourage even the most stubborn hog from rooting it out of place. It provides a smooth interior finish that is easy for animals to clean out with their tongues.

Choose this mold if the goal is a permanent, high-capacity station for larger livestock like cattle or horses. The depth prevents feed scatter, while the rubber construction ensures the mold itself will last through dozens of casting cycles. It is the workhorse of the custom feeder world for a reason.

Fortex CR-100 Reinforced Rubber Pan Mold

The Fortex CR-100 is built from a reinforced “Fortiflex” rubber that is nearly indestructible. Unlike cheaper plastics, this material resists cracking even when used in freezing temperatures, which is a major advantage for those casting feeders during the winter months. It maintains its circular integrity under the pressure of heavy aggregates.

The shallow profile of the CR-100 makes it the ideal mold for sheep or goat feeders. Small ruminants often struggle with deep buckets, so a feeder cast from this mold provides the perfect accessibility. The reinforced rim prevents the mold from stretching or distorting during the pouring process.

This is the right choice for the farmer who values longevity and precision. If you are looking to create a uniform set of stackable feeders that will last a lifetime, the Fortex is the superior investment. It is the best option for those who prioritize a professional, uniform look across their farm.

Little Giant 10-Quart DuraFlex Feed Mold

The Little Giant 10-Quart DuraFlex mold offers a middle-ground solution for those who need a portable but sturdy feeder. Made from high-density polyethylene, it provides a more rigid sidewall than rubber options. This rigidity results in a very crisp, clean edge on the finished concrete pan.

Because it is 10 quarts, the weight of the finished product is manageable for the farmer to move by hand. This makes it perfect for rotational grazing setups where feeders must be relocated every few days. You get the stability of concrete without the back-breaking weight of a 5-gallon block.

Select this mold if you are managing smaller stock or need to move your feeding stations frequently. It is an excellent entry-point mold for those new to casting their own equipment. The price point and durability make it a low-risk, high-reward tool for any hobby farm.

High Country Plastics Concrete Pan Mold

High Country Plastics produces a mold that is specifically favored for its smooth, non-porous interior finish. Concrete can sometimes stick to textured surfaces, but the slick walls of this mold allow the pan to slide out with minimal effort. This results in a finished product that resists mold and bacteria growth in the field.

The design features a slightly tapered base, which adds significant stability to the finished feeder. A wider base ensures that even if a horse steps on the edge, the pan is less likely to flip. This structural advantage is crucial for reducing waste and keeping the feeding area tidy.

This mold is for the farmer who wants a high-end, “store-bought” look for their DIY projects. The finished pans look clean and professional, making them suitable for use in public-facing barns or show environments. It is the premium choice for aesthetic and functional excellence.

Behlen Country Galvanized Steel Pan Mold

Using a Behlen Country galvanized steel pan as a mold offers a level of rigidity that plastic and rubber simply cannot match. There is zero risk of the sidewalls bulging, ensuring that every feeder you cast is perfectly symmetrical. The steel also conducts temperature differently, which can subtly affect the curing process of the concrete.

The smooth, galvanized surface creates a polished finish on the exterior of the concrete pan. This makes the finished feeder very easy to spray down and disinfect between uses. Steel molds are also much easier to store for long periods without worrying about UV damage or warping.

This is the ideal option for the farmer who intends to cast hundreds of feeders over several years. While the initial cost may be higher, the indestructible nature of the steel makes it the most sustainable choice. If you want a mold that your grandchildren might still be using, this is the one.

Miller Manufacturing Over-the-Fence Mold

The Miller Manufacturing Over-the-Fence mold is a specialized tool for creating elevated feeding stations. Its unique shape includes a built-in bracket design that can be replicated in concrete or reinforced with metal inserts. This allows you to create heavy, stable feeders that hang securely on rails or fences.

By casting feeders with this mold, you solve the problem of animals defecating in their food. Elevating the concrete pan keeps the feed clean and at a comfortable height for the animals. The mold is surprisingly durable and handles the complex angles of the bracket design without tearing.

This mold is essential for anyone dealing with crowded pens or limited ground space. It is the best solution for goat keepers who know how quickly ground-level feed can become contaminated. It represents a specialized approach to livestock management that pays off in animal health.

How to Select the Right Size for Your Herd

Selecting the right size starts with the shoulder height and muzzle width of the animal. A goat needs a shallower pan to reach the bottom comfortably without straining its neck against the rim. Conversely, a large heifer requires a wider diameter to accommodate a broader face and a larger volume of feed.

Consider the herd dynamic and how many animals will be sharing a single station. Smaller, individual pans are better for aggressive herds where one dominant animal might guard a single large trough. Creating several 10-quart pans allows for better distribution and reduces stress during feeding time.

Think about the weight of the final product relative to the animal’s strength. A five-gallon concrete pan is nearly impossible for a sheep to move but might be a plaything for a bored bull. Match the volume of the mold to the density of the concrete to achieve a weight that stays put.

Tips for Casting Heavy Concrete Feed Pans

Achieving a professional finish requires more than just pouring a bag of mix into a tub. The secret lies in the “slump,” or the water-to-cement ratio of the concrete. A mix that is too wet will be weak and prone to cracking, while a mix that is too dry will leave unsightly honeycombing on the surface.

Vibrating the mold is a non-negotiable step for a smooth, professional-grade feeder. Tapping the sides of the mold with a rubber mallet for several minutes after the pour brings air bubbles to the surface. This ensures the bottom of the pan—which becomes the top when flipped—is dense and resistant to moisture penetration.

Adding reinforcement is vital for pans that will face heavy impact or freezing temperatures. Small scraps of wire mesh or fiberglass fibers mixed into the concrete provide the internal structure needed to prevent the pan from splitting. This extra step triples the lifespan of the feeder in harsh outdoor conditions.

Cleaning and Storing Your Custom Feed Molds

Concrete is incredibly abrasive and will eventually wear down the interior surface of any mold. After each use, the mold should be scrubbed with a stiff brush and plain water to remove any clinging cement paste. Neglecting this leads to a buildup that will ruin the finish of subsequent casts.

Store your molds upside down in a shaded area to prevent UV degradation. While rubber and heavy-duty plastics are durable, constant sun exposure makes them brittle over time. A brittle mold is more likely to crack during the demolding process, rendering it useless for future projects.

Check for warping if the molds are stacked during the off-season. Stacking them too high can cause the bottom mold to lose its circular shape, leading to lopsided feeders. A quick wipe with a light protectant can also keep the material supple for years of service.

Best Mold Release Agents for Clean Casts

A clean release is the difference between a beautiful feeder and a frustrating afternoon of chiseling plastic away from concrete. Commercial-grade release agents are excellent but can be an unnecessary expense for the hobby farmer. Vegetable-based oils are a practical alternative that is safe for the animals and the environment.

Avoid using motor oil or harsh chemicals as release agents. These substances can leach into the concrete and eventually contaminate the feed or water placed in the finished pan. If the animal licks the surface, you want to ensure they aren’t ingesting petroleum products.

Apply the release agent in a thin, even coat using a spray bottle or a clean rag. Too much oil will pool at the bottom, creating “bug holes” or soft spots in the concrete surface. A light sheen is all that is required to break the bond between the mold and the cured cement.

Creating your own heavy-duty equipment is a hallmark of the self-sufficient hobby farmer. By investing in quality molds and following proper casting techniques, you ensure your livestock are fed efficiently for years to come. These custom solutions prove that with a little concrete and the right tools, you can solve common farm frustrations once and for all.