Why Fence Line Feeder is the Smart Choice for Farms and Ranches
Are you tired of walking through mud to get to the food your animals eat?
What if I tell you there’s a way to make feeding easy, quick, clean, and way less stressful for everyone involved? That’s the beauty of fence line feeding!
By feeding animals from outside their enclosure, you can reduce the stress on yourself and your livestock while at the same time, simplifying the chores and remaining clean!
What Exactly is Fence Line Feeding?
In simple terms, fence line feeding means bringing grain, hay, or any other supplements from outside the enclosure in the place of entering the pen to feed your livestock. You can now serve as a “hay chef” to your livestock by preparing their food without stepping into their confined space.
Why Switch to This Feeding Method?
Feeding from outside the enclosure has a multitude of benefits, some of which are mentioned below:
Reduced Animal Stress: This innovative approach to feeding reduces the stress of the livestock. The majority of livestock such as horses and cows can get agitated or even aggressive to humans who enter their pen. This way of feeding reduces this condition and allows for a peaceful environment for the livestock.
A Safer Experience for Everyone: Entering a pen filled with large animals always carries inherent risks. Aggressive animals, unpredictable behavior, and potential for injury are real concerns. This feeding method eliminates the need for direct interaction, significantly reducing the risk of injury to both you and your animals.
Simplified Feeding Routines: You can say goodbye to muddy boots and time-consuming chores. This innovative approach streamlines your feeding routine, saving you valuable time and energy. This is especially helpful for busy farmers or those working alone.
Improved Animal Health: Self-feeding at the proper times enhances digestion and improves the health of your animal. Increased and systematic feeding through fence lines improves the gut microbiome, thus leading to the best nutrient absorption.
Reduced Feed Waste: Using the efficient design of fence line feeding systems greatly reduces feed waste. Hay stays off the ground, minimizing spoilage and preventing contamination.
Enhanced Farm Efficiency: With an improved feeding routine, your farm’s efficiency improves drastically. You can use this extra time on other important tasks like managing the pasture, monitoring animal health, and other farm activities.
How to Set Up a Fence Line Feeding System
Setting up a successful fence line feeding system doesn’t have to be complicated. With little planning and the correct tools, you can build up a system that meets your needs.
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
The feeding area should be:
Accessible: Make sure you can easily deliver feed to the spot.
Safe: Keep it free of hazards, such as sharp edges or areas where animals can get stuck.
Well-drained: Avoid spots prone to water pooling or excessive mud.
Step 2: Select Your Equipment
Not all feeders are created equal. Here are some excellent options for this feeding method:
HayBoss Barrel: A robust and reliable option, ideal for larger quantities of hay. Its durable construction ensures long-lasting performance, even in challenging weather conditions.
HayBoss HayHoop: A compact and versatile solution, perfect for small areas or fixed budgets.
HayBags: Portable and convenient, offering flexibility in feeding locations. Ideal for smaller herds or supplementing existing feeding systems.
Step 3: Install Your Feeders
Secure feeders to the fence or ground to prevent tipping.
Position them at a height that allows animals to access feed comfortably.
Test the setup to ensure all animals in the group can reach the feed.
Maximizing the Benefits of Fence Line Feeding
Want to get the best out of this innovative approach? Then follow these instructions:
Observe your animals: Monitor your animals’ feeding behaviors and adjust the quantity and locations of feed to maximize reach.
Consider rotational grazing: Combine fence line feeding with rotational grazing to maximize pasture usage and soil health.
Regularly inspect and maintain your equipment. Ensure all components are in good working order to avoid problems while maintaining peak performance.
Addressing Common Concerns
No system is perfect, and the fence line feeder is no exception. Here’s how to overcome some common challenges:
Animal Competition: If you have a large herd, you may need to adjust feeding locations or implement strategies to ensure all animals have access to feed.
Feed Waste: While feeding from outside the enclosure minimizes waste, some spillage may still occur. Consider using ground covers or strategically placing the feeding system to minimize environmental impact.
Predator Concerns: In areas with high predator activity, you may need to implement additional safety measures, such as using predator-proof fencing or feeding during daylight hours.
The Future of Livestock Feeding
The fence line feeding concept is quite revolutionary in terms of how we maintain livestock. If you are someone who cares for animal wellbeing, improving the productivity of the farm, and reducing the impact on the environment, this approach is exceptionally important for the future of livestock production.
Ready to Make the Switch?
At HayBoss, we manufacture and sell top-of-the-line fence line feeding systems. Our HayBoss Barrel and HayBoss HayHoop, are equipped with advanced features that ensure feeding is done safer, faster, and more efficiently.
Visit our website to select the best option for your farm and get started right away!
