Benefits of an above ground hay feeder

I am often asked how we feed our animals.  Since we have our cattle and goats on a "dry lot" (meaning they don't have pasture growing) we feed hay all year round.  A lot of it was being wasted, which is literally like throwing out money.  We sought out a solution and came upon above ground feeders, whch have worked great for our animals.  Above-ground hay feeders for cattle and goats provide several advantages, including:

1. Reduced Waste: One of the biggest benefits of above-ground hay feeders is that they minimize waste. When hay is placed on the ground, animals often step on it, soil it, or scatter it, leading to unnecessary waste. With above-ground feeders, the hay stays contained, and animals can feed more efficiently.

2. Easier to Fill: Above-ground feeders are typically easier to load with hay compared to ground-level feeders. This can save time and effort, especially for larger herds or flocks, as the hay can be added without bending over or getting on the ground.

3. Cleaner Feeding: Above-ground hay feeders keep the hay off the dirt and mud, which means it's less likely to be contaminated with manure, urine, or other debris. This helps maintain a cleaner and more sanitary feeding environment for your animals.

4. Prevents Overgrazing: By using an above-ground feeder, hay is offered in a more controlled manner, preventing animals from excessively trampling and overgrazing the area around the feeder. This can help preserve pasture health and reduce soil compaction.

5. Promotes Better Health: With cleaner hay and less waste, animals are less likely to ingest moldy or contaminated hay, which can contribute to respiratory issues or digestive problems.

6. Reduces the Spread of Disease: By elevating the hay off the ground, above-ground feeders can help limit the spread of parasites and other diseases that thrive in damp, dirty conditions, reducing the overall health risks for livestock.

7. Less Rodent and Pest Attraction: Elevating the hay helps reduce its attractiveness to rodents, insects, and other pests that might otherwise infest a ground-level hay pile.

8. Improved Organization and Efficiency: With a designated, elevated feeding system, it's easier to monitor hay consumption, track feeding schedules, and manage the supply, helping to optimize feeding practices.

Overall, above-ground hay feeders create a cleaner, more organized, and more efficient feeding system, which can improve the overall well-being of cattle and goats while reducing feeding costs in the long run.  We have a smaller one for our goats and a larger one that the cows and goats share.  The goats are often known to jump up into their feeder for a nap.  We have even found eggs laid up in our hay feeder.  Apparently all of our animals are fans of the above ground feeders!