Here is our new low-tech feed system. We call it the PipeFeeder. It consist of two 20-ft PVC well pipes, 4" and 5" in diameter, ends capped, with the smaller pipe inserted into the larger one.

We have one on each side of our main lean-to. Openings are cut into both pipes with a jigsaw. A 20-foot, 8" diameter heavy-walled pipe, cut in half and then halved again along its length serves as a trough.

Here's the uncapped end that sticks through the back curtain of the lean-to.

To operate, we pull the inner pipe out and rotate it so the openings face up.

Then the pipe is filled with the appropriate amount of grain. We keep the grain stored in plastic bins behind the lean-to.

The pipe is then pushed back into place. The ewes were very quick to learn what the sound of the sliding tube meant. 

The inner pipe is rotated, and dinner is served. Yes, some is deflected off their heads, but most ends up in the tray and subsequently, in their tummies. Basically, it works like a fenceline feeder without the fenceline. On of the best things about it is that it can be pre-loaded for the next feeding.

The total cost of this, including hardware and grain bins, was about $400. Some may think this excessive, but it's way cheaper and less painful than a trip to the emergency room for a broken leg, dislocated knee, or worse that would almost certainly result from carrying buckets of grain through hungry ewes. Plus there's a lot less swearing for the neighbors to overhear.

I wish we could claim ownership of this idea, because it is a very good one, but it actually comes from an article in Sheep! magazine in 2008. I made modification to the design, but the idea is not original.

We're big supporters the arts around here. This is the latest work we have on display,  "Tired of Hauling Manure," on temporary loan from our Toro farm cart.  We were thrilled to be chosen to host this stunning and thought-provoking piece, albeit for just a short period. 

We love our skid steer, but "Skid Steer Ranch" just doesn't have much of a ring to it. We'll stick with "Pitchfork." Above, Cindy tidies up the lambing barn.