Overview

Open Bottom Hay Feeder – A Smarter Cattle Feeder to Reduce Waste

Feeding cattle is one of the biggest recurring expenses for ranchers and farmers, and every handful of wasted hay adds up over the season. The Open Bottom Hay Feeder was designed to address this challenge head-on. Instead of letting hay fall to the ground where it gets trampled and spoiled, the open bottom structure and optional poly kick shield keep feed contained, clean, and accessible to livestock. The result is less waste, healthier cattle, and lower feed costs — all in one efficient system.

Unlike traditional feeders, this cattle feeder doesn’t allow hay to sit in moisture, dirt, or manure. The raised open-bottom design ensures that hay stays elevated, preventing mold and contamination. Cleaner feed not only saves money but also supports herd health by reducing the risk of digestive and respiratory issues often linked to spoiled hay. Ranchers quickly see the payoff in both feed efficiency and animal well-being.

Durability is a hallmark of Sioux Steel products, and this feeder is no exception. Built from hi-tensile, 50,000 psi steel tubing and powder-coated in the Prairie Gold finish, it’s engineered to handle years of tough outdoor use. From freezing winters to scorching summers, this livestock feeder resists rust, corrosion, and the daily wear of hungry herds. It’s a long-term investment that keeps working season after season.

The design is also about animal safety. Rounded mud legs and carefully angled slant bars make it easy for cattle to reach the hay without risk of cuts, bruises, or entanglement. With 15 feeding openings around its 8′ diameter, multiple animals can feed at once comfortably, reducing crowding and stress in the herd. Ranchers know that calmer cattle mean healthier cattle, and this feeder helps create that balance.

Assembly and handling are practical, too. Delivered in three bolted sections, the Open Bottom Hay Feeder can be transported easily and set up quickly in a pasture, feedlot, or corral. Whether you’re moving it between feeding sites or setting it up for long-term use, its modular construction makes life easier for the operator.

For ranchers looking to maximize efficiency, the optional poly kick shield is a smart add-on. It provides an additional barrier that prevents hay from scattering outside the feeder, further reducing waste and extending the lifespan of every bale. With feed costs on the rise, this simple upgrade can save thousands of dollars annually for operations managing large herds.

At its core, the Open Bottom Hay Feeder is designed to save time, money, and resources. By reducing hay waste, protecting feed quality, and standing up to the demands of daily ranch life, it quickly proves itself as a must-have tool in livestock operations. If you’re ready to stop watching hay — and profits — get trampled into the dirt, this cattle feeder hay solution is the one to trust.

In short: the Open Bottom Hay Feeder isn’t just another piece of equipment. It’s a long-lasting, waste-reducing, and herd-friendly investment that pays for itself by cutting costs and improving efficiency across your ranch.

Specifications

SSO83HF2 Weight : 135lbs.

S227320PG (1 section) Weight : 45 lbs.

S13607 (Poly Kick Shield) Weight : 18lbs.

Features

• Open-bottom design prevents spoilage

• Powder-coated Prairie Gold finish resists rust

• 15 feeding openings support multiple cattle

• Rounded mud legs improve stability and safety

• Optional poly kick shield reduces waste further

• Shipped in 3 bolted sections for easy setup

Benefits

• ✅ Cuts hay waste significantly

• ✅ Keeps hay clean and fresh

• ✅ Durable, rust-resistant steel build

• ✅ Safe, animal-friendly design

• ✅ Saves time with large bale capacity

• ✅ Flexible use across ranch setups

Additional information 

• Setup: Ships in 3 easy-to-bolt sections.

• Durability: Built to endure harsh weather and heavy use.

• Capacity: Large 8′ diameter fits big bales.

• Flexibility: Works in pastures, feedlots, or corrals.

• Optional Add-On: Poly kick shield maximizes hay conservation.

Warranty

Sioux Steel Squeeze Chutes & Head Gates and HiQual Hydraulic Chute & Calf Chutes are backed by our ALL NEW industry leading 8-Year Warranty. Select Sioux Steel Working Equipment products are backed by a 3-Year Warranty, and our HiQual Heavy Duty & Range Tough and Sioux Steel Calving Pens & Bow Gates also come standard with 3-Year Warranties. Additionally, we offer a LIFETIME GUARANTEED GATE PROGRAM on all Sioux Steel 2” Victory gates, HiQual 2” Heavy Duty, Cattleman’s & Super Six gates so you can trust your equipment will last and that your purchase is from a 100+ year old company that stands behind our work.