Tools and Equipment for Livestock Farmers

Dec 30, 2024
By Mathew Murphy
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

All Products Manufactured and/or sold by Canadian-Based Agribusinesses

The holidays have come and gone; did you get everything you wished for during the holidays? The Farms.com team thought we would share some tools and equipment that farmers wish they had to help them out on the farm.

Whether you are tending to beef or dairy cows, sheep, goats, poultry or horses, farmers who work with animals have unique needs that blend practicality with passion.

From tools that make your daily tasks easier to thoughtful items that bring comfort during long hours on the farm, the best farm equipment and tools are the ones that make your work easier, help you work better, or enhance your well-being while completing the task at hand.

In this article, the Farms.com team has curated a list of top gift ideas from local, Candian-based agribusinesses that will make any livestock farmer feel appreciated, valued, and ready for the season ahead.

All the items can be found in either the 2025 Ontario Ag & Country Guide or the Ag & Country Western Canada Directory – each agri-business directory features agriculture products and services that can be found in Canada.  

First up on this list we have the Cowcatcher Headgates sold by Weber’s Farm Service.

This tool is specifically designed to secure cattle safely during medical treatments, vaccinations, or routine checkups, minimizing stress for both the animal and the farmer.

For farmers who work alone or in smaller operations, a reliable headgate can be a game-changer, allowing them to handle cattle more safely and efficiently without risking injury to themselves or the animals.

This cattle headgate improves a farm’s operations, reduces the risk of accidents, and ultimately helps ensure the health and well-being of the livestock.

Next on the list are Hay & Grain Feeders sold by Martin’s Feeders & Equipment.

Feeders are designed to ensure that animals receive their feed in a controlled, waste-reducing manner, which helps the farmer save money and time.

For one, hay and grain feeders prevent animals from wasting feed, a common issue when feed is simply spread on the ground or in open troughs. This means less food gets trampled or spoiled, ultimately saving you money on feed costs.

Depending on the size of operation, feeders can also reduce the time farmers spend on daily feeding tasks, allowing them to focus on other important farm duties.

An AGBUILT Stainless Steel Hammer Mill or Hammer Mill Parts are next.

Hammer mills are used to grind and crush various types of feed ingredients—such as grains, hay, or silage—into smaller, more manageable particles, making it easier for livestock to digest and absorb nutrients.

For farmers, owning a hammer mill means greater control over the quality and consistency of the feed you provide. It allows you to create customized feed mixes, blending different grains and nutrients to meet the specific needs of your herd.

This is especially important for farmers with a variety of livestock, as they can tailor the feed for different species, age groups, or production goals.

Another key benefit is cost savings. By processing your own feed, farmers can reduce reliance on store-bought, pre-mixed feed, which can be expensive. The hammer mill allows you to purchase raw ingredients in bulk and process them at home, making it a more economical option in the long run.

In short, a livestock hammer mill is a practical and valuable investment for any farmer looking to improve their feed quality, reduce costs, and streamline their operation.

Up next is the DWYER OptiSCAN Hog Scale.

The OptiSCAN is a mobile hog scale that lets you easily determine a hog’s weight on the spot. The digital scanner takes a top view of the animal and software then determines and displays its weight on the connected computer tablet.

This mobile hog scale would not only improve the farmer's efficiency, but it would also help you optimize your livestock management by ensuring more accurate and timely weight measurements.

Rounding up the list of physical products are the BHF Mfg. Cattle Oilers.

Cattle oilers are used to apply insecticide or oil treatments to cattle, typically to control parasites like lice, flies, ticks, and other pests that can affect the health and comfort of livestock.

They also reduce the farmer’s workload and ensure long-term cost savings.

For a farmer who wants to keep your livestock healthy and productive while saving time and effort, a cattle oiler would be an ideal gift that combines utility and care.

Finally, closing out this list of practical products and services for farmers are subscriptions to Small Farm Canada, and Farms.com Risk Management and/or tickets to the Advancing Women in Ag Conference.

Small Farm Canada is a publication dedicated to providing resources, tips, and news for small-scale farmers, particularly those running diverse operations.

A Farms.com Risk Management subscription provides farmers with tools, advice, and resources designed to minimize risk, protect their livelihoods, and manage uncertainties in agriculture.

The Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference (AWC) is a fantastic event designed to support women in agriculture through education, networking, and empowerment.

Each of these subscriptions or registrations provides a unique opportunity for livestock farmers to improve your knowledge, grow your operations, and ensure long-term success.

By investing in items that enhance efficiency, animal care, and farm management, you can prepare yourself for the farming year ahead.

 

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