5 Ways to Make Transporting Feed Around the Farm Easier

Hay bales, silage, and grain sacks. These are just some of the supplies you have to cart around your property regularly to feed your livestock. Because these items are often large, heavy, and awkward, transporting them can be a real workout. Isn’t there any way to make the job easier? Let’s look at a few methods you can use to move your feed faster and more efficiently.

Front-End Loaders

A front-end loader on your tractor is a versatile tool for moving feed. You can attach a bucket to scoop and carry loose feed like grain or silage. You can also switch to a bale spear attachment, which makes picking up and moving large round or square bales a much simpler task. This setup lets you move a lot of feed at once, which saves you multiple trips.

UTVs or ATVs with Trailers

For smaller jobs or tighter spaces where a tractor can’t go, a utility vehicle (UTV) or all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is quite handy. Hook up a small trailer to the back, and you’ve got a nimble way to haul bags of grain, mineral blocks, or a few hay bales. They’re quick and don’t tear up the ground as much as heavier equipment.

Dump Trailers

When you need to move a large quantity of loose feed, a dump trailer is a huge time-saver. You can fill it up with silage, corn, or other bulk feeds and pull it with your truck or tractor. There are both framed and frameless dumpsters you can use depending on the stability your terrain requires. Once you get to your destination, you can raise the bed to unload the feed without any shoveling.

Conveyor Belts or Augers

For moving feed from a storage bin to a trailer or feeder, a conveyor belt or auger automates the process. A portable auger can transfer grain directly from your silo into a feed wagon, which reduces manual labor and spillage. This equipment is especially useful for operations that handle large volumes of grain on a daily basis.

The Classic Wheelbarrow

Sometimes, the old ways work just fine for small-scale needs. A sturdy wheelbarrow is still an effective tool for moving a bag or two of feed from the barn to a nearby pasture. It’s a low-cost, low-maintenance option that’s always ready to go for those quick, smaller jobs around the farmstead.

Make Feeding Time Easier

Transporting feed around your farm becomes much easier with these tools and techniques. If you’re spending too much time or expending too much effort to move feed currently, give some of these ideas a try to see if they help you. You might find a new favorite way to get your chores done.