animal feed in large quantities

Hello everyone,

We're currently in the midst of planning our farming projects for the second year. After the successful experience of raising pigs last year, we are eager to expand our operation and acquire more pigs this year. Although our long-term goal is to eventually produce all the necessary food for the pigs on our farm, we understand that it may take a couple more years to fine-tune the process. In the meantime, we are looking for ways to save money on commercial organic feed by purchasing it in bulk.

Last year, it was convenient to feed three pigs by picking up 25kg bags in our Jetta once a week. However, this approach won't be feasible with 20 pigs, and the cost, at approximately $1 per kilo, is simply too high. Therefore, I would like to inquire about suitable options for bulk storage of feed. Should I consider investing in a bulk feed tank capable of holding a couple of tons? The feed store has the capability to fill a tank using their blower truck, ensuring that the feed remains dry and well-preserved. However, I understand that these tanks can be quite expensive to purchase and install.

I would greatly appreciate hearing from everyone about their experiences and recommendations for bulk storage of feed. Thank you in advance for your insights.

My suggestion would be to talk with your feed store about the cost to have the feed delivered and if they know how most folks store bulk feed.

In the past, we have used an old non-working chest freezer since it is an airtight option.

We have also used brand-new metal trash cans with tight-fitting lids.

I am looking forward to what other folks have done or are doing.

Hi Lucius,
Welcome to Permies.

I think you can save a lot of money buying in bulk from the right place, but I want to also be a realist. If you can't afford to feed 20 pigs at normal prices... is it going to be too tight even with bulk discounts. The bulk discounts for 20 pigs probably won't be as much as you think. I know you are eager, but I don't think overextending yourself is a good idea either. Maybe you need to add another year to your plan. Do say 7-10 pigs this year, and save the extra money that comes in from the pigs to fund the next years batch. Just my thinking. I know it is hard to go slowly, but I hate to see you get in over your head and lose money.

I like Matt's suggestion.

Start slowly and gain additional pig by having litters to make a drift or drove.

I would also suggest considering growing barley to feed your pigs.

This might offer some suggestions:

I have arrangements made with 2 local farmers. They sell to me at market price.  I have tried growing my own corn …the deer appreciate my efforts.

Storage wise, I was able to grab onto about 10 food grade 55 gallon barrels with lids.

when I approach questions like this for my sheep & chicken flocks I like to look at the **actual numbers** to make a decision.

I use spreadsheets (i.e. google sheets) to calculate the amount of feed per animal per day extended out by season and by year.  I add an area with pricing so I can update with current feed prices and what $$ I can get for selling lambs.  End result shows me projected feed costs for a year and how many lambs sales will cover those feed costs.  

Without looking at the numbers you'll just be speculating.

I would suspect the cost of having a feed bin/silo built/installed will take a number of years to pay for itself in feed cost savings.  After 1 year with pigs is it realistic to commit to the long haul?

There is a winery nearby me that imports fruit juices in 55gal steel drums, they are perfectly clean as the juice in is plastic bladder bags inside the steel.  They sell these drums for a good price, that's what I store my feed in. I consider them infinitely re-usable or re-sellable if/when my system changes.   We still have to hand carry the feed sacks into the drums.  But hey - this is Permies - physical labor is typically part of the equation.