March 18, 2007 - We've learned a lot in our short time running with the goats. There are some things we've learned from listening to others and some we've learned through experience -- as limited as that has been. We'll pass along a few of the time and money saving tools & tricks we've come across and hope that they can help others as well. If you've got a few for us, please don't hesitate to pass them along -- we're still learning daily!

o Bulk Feed Storage--Everything really is connected! The high cost of oil has led to tortilla protests in Mexico and higher feed prices everywhere as much of the domestic corn crop is re-directed toward fuel (Ethanol) instead of feed. We've seen prices for goat feed increase as much as $2 in about 2 months for a 50# bag -- that makes it about $350 a ton! And that doesn't include the time, effort, and gas to pickup, load, unload, etc. That got us looking at alternatives to buying-by-the-bag and found that a local bulk distributor would deliver & offload (i.e., fill our bulk storage containers) for about $150/ton for 15% protein pellets. Saving $200 a ton (we're feeding goats and cattle) was a great incentive to getting creative!

The first thing we did was to get a large container (see pics in slide show) and cut off one end. Glen then fabricated a cone-shaped end from scrap metal and attached a sliding door to control the grain flow. The cone was then welded to the tank and the whole contraption mounted upright -- high enough so we could drive a small wagon underneath for filling buckets or bags. This tank will hold approx 3 tons of feed. Take a look at the pics below. This thing works like a charm and I can't help but remember that every ton we feed is saving us about $200.

Save some money -- get creative!
Click on the Bulk Feed Storage Tank slide show to see more images.

March 22, 2007 -  We've got a bulk feeder for free choice pellets available to some of our goats. For others that don't need quite so much feed we've put together some inexpensive and easy-to-make feed troughs from PVC pipe. There's no reason for your feed troughs to cost more than your goats! These portable feeders are a great solution for small herds.

o Portable Feeders --Click on the Feed Trough Project slide show for more images of our portable feeder design & components. If you like what you see we can help you make some for your operation.

PVC Pipe: The feeders are made from heavy gauge, 8" diameter, PVC pipe that is available at most home improvement stores. Buy one section of pipe (sold by the foot) then cut it down the center to make two half-pipes. A section of pipe up to 8-feet long will be plenty strong and very portable. Longer than that will make it hard to move and you may need to add a center support so it survives those goats that like to dance in their dinner.

Tip: A table saw makes it easy to cut the pipe in half, just be sure to wedge open the cut end after you start because it will bind the saw blade after just a few feet. If you use a circular saw be sure to mark the pipe carefully before cutting. An exact cut isn't necessary, but you don't want to wander too far off center. A band saw works best because you can cut both sides of the pipe at one time.

End Caps: To make the end caps, measure and cut a 2x6 or 2x8 inch board in a semi-circle to fit inside the ends of each "half-pipe." Screw them in-place from outside the pipe. Don't glue them and don't make an exact fit -- you'll want to leave a gap for water drainage. You now have two feeders that can be supported between concrete blocks, mounted between fence posts -- or mounted on legs . . .

Heavy-Duty Legs: The option we use is to mount them on heavy-duty steel legs that we fabricate. At 6-8 feet long, the feeders are very portable and can be easily moved. Longer than that and they're hard to carry and might require a middle support for the dancing goats referenced above. When you mount the legs, be sure to mount them near the ends for added stability. Goats like to climb into the feeders and can raise one end if the legs are too far toward the center.

There are several detailed pictures of the feeders & legs below. Because several other "goaters" have asked, we're making and selling leg sets so you can put together your own feeders. You buy the PVC pipe and the lumber for the end caps locally and we'll provide the leg sets.

Set of Feeder Legs: $40 -- We'll provide a set (2) of legs and the mounting hardware, pre-drilled, painted, and ready to mount. The cost is $40 per set and $7.50 for shipping and handling within the USA. For two sets of legs to make two feeders send $75. You save $5 and we'll take care of the shipping!

Until we get a store front on this site, please email your questions or orders to legs@lostriverfarm.com. Or you can call (540-958-0886) for more information.