Feedlot Feed Storage and Mixing Area Design

By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD · 2026-08-14

Key Takeaways

Site Selection and Preparation: Prioritize high ground with excellent drainage and a compacted or paved base (minimum 12 inches above grade) to prevent water pooling and spoilage. Orient feed areas downwind of occupied areas to mitigate dust and odor issues.
Commodity Shed Design: Construct commodity sheds with at least three walls and a roof to shield feed from sun and precipitation, reducing moisture loss and spoilage. Ensure adequate height (minimum 14 feet eaves) for loader maneuverability and bays sized for at least two weeks of storage capacity.
Ingredient Segregation: Store wet byproducts (e.g., distillers grains) on separate, sloped concrete pads with dedicated drainage to prevent moisture migration and cross-contamination with dry feeds. Bagged supplements should be stored on pallets in a dry, rodent-protected area.
Mixer Sizing and Loading: Size mixers based on peak daily feed delivery and desired batch frequency (4-8 batches/day), not just pen count, to avoid bottlenecks and inefficient operation. Implement a concrete loading pad with adequate space for the mixer and loader, considering a scale for improved ration accuracy.
Dust and Pest Management: Employ dust control measures like water sprays or enclosed systems in dry climates, and maintain a clean, sealed storage environment with regular cleaning and pest deterrents to minimize shrink from wind, rodents, and birds.
Operational Management: Implement a strict "first-in, first-out" inventory rotation, monitor moisture levels, and maintain detailed records of deliveries, mixing schedules, and inventory to track shrink and identify potential spoilage or theft issues.

Planning a new feedlot or upgrading an existing one requires careful thought about how you store and mix feed. The layout of your feed storage and mixing area affects feed quality, labor efficiency, animal performance, and your bottom line. This guide covers the key decisions in designing a feedlot feed storage and mixing area, from commodity shed placement to mixer selection and dust control. It is written for feedlot owners, managers, and anyone planning a new operation or renovating an existing one.

At a Glance

Place feed storage and mixing areas on high ground with good drainage and a compacted or paved base.
Store wet byproducts separately from dry feeds to prevent spoilage and cross contamination.
Design your commodity shed with at least three walls and a roof to keep rain and sun off feed.
Allow enough space for trucks to turn around and loaders to maneuver without backing over feed.
Size your mixer based on the number of animals and the number of daily feed deliveries, not just pen count.
Install dust control measures such as water sprays or enclosed mixing systems in dry climates.
Keep records of feed deliveries, mixing schedules, and feed inventory to track shrink and spoilage.
Call your extension agent or a feedlot nutritionist before building if you are unsure about capacities or layout.

Understanding the Role of Feed Storage in Feedlot Operations

Feed storage is not just a place to keep feed. It is the buffer between feed delivery and feed consumption. In a feedlot, animals eat every day, often multiple times per day. Your storage and mixing area must keep enough feed on hand to feed the herd consistently, protect feed quality from weather and pests, and allow your crew to mix and deliver rations efficiently.

A well designed feed storage area reduces shrink, which is the difference between the amount of feed you purchase or grow and the amount that actually reaches the bunk. Shrink comes from several sources. Moisture loss from drying, spoilage from mold and bacteria, wind loss of fine particles, and theft by birds and rodents all reduce the usable feed you have on hand. Good storage design minimizes each of these losses.

The mixing area is where you combine ingredients into a complete ration. This area needs enough space for the mixer to load, mix, and discharge without delays. It also needs to be close enough to the storage areas to keep loading cycles short, but far enough from pens to avoid noise and dust problems.

Your feed storage and mixing design also affects labor. A poorly laid out area forces workers to drive longer distances, wait in line at the mixer, and handle feed multiple times. Each extra minute spent moving feed costs money in fuel, labor, and equipment wear. A thoughtful layout saves those minutes every single day.

Site Selection and Preparation

Before you pour concrete or erect a shed, walk your property and choose the right spot. The site determines drainage, access, and how well your feed stays dry and clean.

Drainage and Ground Conditions

Feed storage areas need well drained ground. Water pooling under stored feed ruins the bottom layer and creates mold problems. Look for a site that sits slightly higher than the surrounding area so water flows away naturally. If your only option is a flatter area, plan to build up the pad with compacted fill so the surface is at least 12 inches above the surrounding grade.

The pad itself should be compacted to support heavy trucks and loaders. A packed clay base works for dry operations, but a gravel base or concrete pad is better for areas that get wet. Concrete is the best choice for the mixing area where you load the mixer, because it is easy to clean and prevents mud from being scooped into the ration. Gravel works well for commodity bays where you store bagged or bulk ingredients.

Wind Direction and Dust

Pay attention to prevailing winds. Feed mixing creates dust, and feed storage attracts birds and sometimes rodents. You want the feed area downwind of your office, living areas, and neighboring properties. If you cannot avoid putting the feed area upwind, plan for dust control measures such as water sprayers at the mixer loading point and a covered conveyor system.

Wind also dries out feed and blows away fine particles. A shed with walls on three sides blocks most wind, but the open side should face away from prevailing winds. If your site has strong winds from one direction, orient the open side of the shed to the lee side.

Access for Trucks and Loaders

Your feed delivery trucks need to reach the storage area without backing long distances or making tight turns. Design the access road to be at least 14 feet wide for single unit trucks and 16 feet for tractor trailers. The road surface should be all weather so deliveries continue during wet periods.

Inside the storage area, plan for a one way traffic flow. Trucks enter at one end and exit at the other, or they pull through a loop. This eliminates the need for backing in a busy area where visibility is limited. If you must have a dead end, make the turnaround area large enough for the largest truck you use.

Designing the Feedlot Commodity Shed

The commodity shed is the heart of your dry feed storage. It protects feed from rain, snow, and sun, and it keeps different ingredients separated. A good commodity shed is not expensive to build, but it must be planned carefully.

Shed Dimensions and Layout

The size of your shed depends on how much feed you need to store and how often you receive deliveries. As a rule of thumb, plan for at least two weeks of feed storage capacity for the ingredients you use most. This buffer protects you against delivery delays and price fluctuations. For ingredients that are hard to source or that you buy in bulk, consider three to four weeks of storage.

Calculate your daily feed usage first. If you feed 1,000 head of cattle at 30 pounds of feed per head per day, you use 30,000 pounds or 15 tons of feed daily. Two weeks of storage means 210 tons of storage capacity. Most feedlot commodity sheds are sized in terms of tons of storage per bay.

A typical commodity shed has multiple bays separated by concrete or heavy timber walls. Each bay holds one ingredient. Bays are usually 16 to 20 feet wide and 30 to 40 feet deep. The depth allows a loader to reach the back of the bay from the front. The height of the shed should be at least 14 feet at the eaves to allow a front end loader to dump a full bucket without hitting the roof.

The shed floor should be concrete for easy cleanup. Slope the floor slightly toward the front so water that blows in drains out. Some operations build the floor level with the outside pad so loaders can drive straight in. Others build a curb at the front edge to keep feed from spilling out. Both designs work, but the curb design keeps feed contained and is easier to manage.

Wall and Roof Design

A commodity shed needs three walls and a roof. The open front faces the mixing area or loading area. The three walls block wind and rain from most directions. The roof keeps the sun off feed, which reduces heating and moisture loss.

Use metal siding on the walls and a metal roof for durability. Wood framing with metal cladding is the most common and cost effective design. The walls should be at least 8 feet high, with 10 to 12 feet being better for larger loaders. The roof should overhang the open front by at least 2 feet to keep rain from blowing into the bays.

Some operations build a center row of support posts down the middle of the shed. This reduces the clear span and lowers construction cost, but it makes loader operation more difficult. If you use a front end loader with a large bucket, consider a clear span design with no center posts. The extra construction cost is often worth the improved efficiency.

Separating Wet and Dry Ingredients

Wet byproducts such as distillers grains, wet brewers grains, and wet corn gluten feed need different storage than dry feeds. These products spoil quickly, especially in warm weather. They should be stored on a concrete pad with a slight slope for drainage, and they should be covered or at least kept in a shaded area.

Do not store wet byproducts in the same bay as dry feeds. The moisture from the wet product can migrate into dry feed and cause spoilage. Keep wet ingredients in a separate area, preferably with its own concrete pad and drainage. The pad should slope to a collection point where any liquid runoff can be captured and disposed of properly.

Some operations use a bunker silo for wet byproducts. A bunker silo is a concrete structure with three walls and a floor, open at one end. You pack the wet product in and cover it with a plastic sheet weighted with tires. This works well for large volumes. For smaller operations, a concrete pad with a roof and three sides is sufficient.

Bagged Feed and Supplement Storage

Bagged feeds and supplements need a dry, clean area that is protected from rodents. Store bags on pallets to keep them off the floor and away from moisture. Leave space between pallets for air circulation and for inspection. The storage area should be dark or dimly lit to discourage rodents, and it should be inspected regularly for signs of chewing or nesting.

Keep bagged feeds separate from bulk ingredients. Bags are easy to puncture, and a spilled bag of supplement can contaminate a whole bay of grain. A separate room or a locked cabinet for supplements and medications is a good practice. This also prevents accidental inclusion of a medicated feed in the wrong ration.

Feedlot Feed Mixing Area Design

The mixing area is where you load the mixer, process ingredients, and discharge the complete ration. This area needs to be efficient, safe, and easy to clean.

Location Relative to Storage

Place the mixing area adjacent to the commodity shed, on the open side. The mixer pulls up to each bay to load, then moves to the discharge point. If your layout has the commodity shed bays in a row, the mixing area runs along the front of the shed. This is the most efficient arrangement because the mixer travels a short distance between loads.

The mixing area needs a concrete pad that extends at least 20 feet in front of the shed. This gives the mixer room to maneuver and provides a clean surface for loading. The pad should be large enough for the mixer and a loader to work side by side without crowding.

Mixer Selection and Sizing

Your mixer is the most important piece of equipment in the feed area. The size of the mixer determines how many batches you need per day and how long each batch takes. A mixer that is too small forces you to run extra batches, which wastes time and fuel. A mixer that is too large wastes fuel on partially loaded batches and can cause poor mixing of small quantities.

To size your mixer, determine your peak daily feed delivery. This is the total amount of feed you deliver on the busiest day, which is usually the day after a holiday or when you receive a new group of cattle. Divide this by the number of batches you want to run per day. Most operations run between 4 and 8 batches per day. If you feed 30 tons per day and want 6 batches, you need a mixer with a capacity of at least 5 tons.

Remember that mixers are rated by volume, not weight. A 5 ton mixer holds about 300 cubic feet of feed, depending on the density of the ration. Heavier rations with more grain weigh more per cubic foot, so you may not be able to fill the mixer to its rated volume. Work with your nutritionist to determine the actual capacity you need.

Loading Area Design

The loading area is where the mixer sits while you fill it. This area should be on a concrete pad that is large enough for the mixer and the loader to work together. The pad should be level so the mixer sits stable while loading.

Consider installing a scale at the loading area. A scale on the mixer is the most common approach, but a platform scale for the loader is also useful. The loader scale allows you to weigh each bucket of ingredient as you load it, which improves ration accuracy. This is especially important when you use ingredients with variable moisture content, such as silage or wet byproducts.

The loading area should have good lighting for early morning and evening work. Feedlots run on early schedules, and loading feed in the dark is dangerous and inefficient. Install floodlights on the shed or on poles to illuminate the entire loading area.

Discharge and Delivery

The discharge area is where the mixer empties into the feed truck or directly into the bunk. If you use a feed truck with a conveyor or auger, the discharge point should be on a hard surface that is easy to clean. Spilled feed attracts birds and rodents, and it becomes a safety hazard when it gets wet.

If you deliver feed directly to bunks with the mixer, plan your route from the mixing area to the pens. The route should be straight and well maintained to reduce wear on the mixer and to keep the ride smooth for the animals. A rough ride causes feed to separate, with fine particles settling to the bottom of the mixer and coarse particles staying on top.

Feedlot Feed Mill Design Considerations

Some feedlots process their own grain or mix their own supplements on site. A feed mill adds complexity but can reduce feed costs. If you are considering a feed mill, plan it as part of the overall feed storage and mixing area.

Grain Processing Equipment

Roller mills and hammer mills are the two main types of grain processing equipment. Roller mills produce a more consistent particle size and are quieter than hammer mills. Hammer mills are more versatile and can process a wider range of ingredients. Both require a dedicated area with good dust collection.

The mill should be located close to the grain storage and the mixer. Grain moves from storage to the mill, then to the mixer. This flow should be linear to avoid moving grain backward or crossing paths. A conveyor or auger system can move grain from storage to the mill, and another conveyor moves the processed grain to the mixer.

Dust Collection and Safety

Grain dust is explosive and a health hazard. A feed mill must have a dust collection system that captures dust at the source. This includes dust from the mill itself, from conveyors, and from the mixer loading point. The dust collection system should vent to a baghouse or cyclone outside the building.

The feed mill area should be separated from the rest of the feed storage area by a fire rated wall. Electrical equipment in the mill area should be explosion proof. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent dust accumulation on ledges, beams, and equipment.

Supplement and Premix Storage

If you mix your own supplements, you need a separate area for premix ingredients. These include trace minerals, vitamins, and medications. Store these in clearly labeled containers that are sealed to keep out moisture and pests. The supplement area should be secure and accessible only to trained personnel.

Medicated feeds require special handling. You must follow the label directions for mixing and withdrawal times. The mixing area should have a dedicated scale for weighing small quantities of medications and premixes. Keep records of all medicated feed mixing, including the batch number, the medication used, and the amount added.

Feed Storage Management Practices

Good storage design is only half the battle. You also need management practices that protect feed quality and minimize waste.

First In, First Out Rotation

Use the oldest feed first. This is simple with bagged feeds, but it takes discipline with bulk ingredients. When you receive a new delivery, place it behind the existing feed so the loader picks up the old feed first. This prevents feed from sitting in storage for months and losing quality.

For wet byproducts, this rotation is critical. Wet feeds spoil quickly, and a load that sits for two weeks in warm weather can be unfit for cattle. If you cannot use a load of wet feed within two weeks in summer, consider buying smaller quantities more frequently.

Moisture Management

Moisture is the enemy of stored feed. Dry grain should be stored at 14 percent moisture or less. Wet byproducts should be stored at their received moisture and used quickly. The storage area should keep rain out and allow condensation to drain away.

Check stored feed regularly for signs of moisture. Look for condensation on the underside of the roof, wet spots on the floor, and mold growth on the surface of the feed. If you find moisture problems, correct the source immediately. A small roof leak can ruin an entire bay of feed if it goes unnoticed.

Pest Control

Birds and rodents consume and contaminate feed. A single rat can eat up to 50 pounds of grain per year and contaminate much more with its droppings. Bird flocks can strip the top layer of feed from an open bay in a matter of days.

Keep the storage area clean and free of spilled feed. Remove any feed that falls on the ground immediately. Use bait stations around the perimeter of the storage area and check them regularly. Install bird deterrents such as netting over open bays or noise devices. The best approach is to keep the storage area sealed and clean so pests have no reason to enter.

Inventory Tracking

Know how much feed you have on hand at all times. This requires a simple inventory system, whether it is a notebook, a spreadsheet, or a feed management software. Record every delivery and every batch of feed you mix. Compare your records to physical inventory regularly to identify shrink.

Shrink of 5 to 10 percent is common in feedlot operations. Some shrink is unavoidable, but excessive shrink indicates a problem. If your shrink exceeds 10 percent, look for sources of loss such as wind, moisture, pests, or theft. The storage design and management practices should work together to keep shrink below 8 percent.

Common Mistakes in Feed Storage and Mixing Design

Learning from the mistakes of others can save you time and money. Here are the most common design errors seen in feedlot feed storage and mixing areas.

Undersizing the Storage Area

Many operations build their commodity shed too small. They plan for current needs but do not account for growth or for buying in bulk when prices are low. A shed that is too small forces you to store feed outside, where it is exposed to weather and pests. Build for your expected needs five years from now, not just today.

Poor Drainage Around the Pad

Water pooling around the feed pad is a common problem. The pad may be level, but the surrounding ground slopes toward it. Water collects at the edge and seeps under the feed. This causes spoilage and creates mud that gets tracked into the mixing area. The solution is to build the pad higher than the surrounding ground and to provide drainage ditches or culverts to carry water away.

Mixer Too Small for the Operation

An undersized mixer is a constant bottleneck. The operator has to run extra batches, which takes time and fuel. The crew gets behind schedule, and cattle are fed late. The solution is to size the mixer for your peak demand, not your average demand. A mixer that is slightly too large is a better choice than one that is too small.

Inadequate Lighting for Night Operations

Feedlots often run early morning and late evening shifts, especially in hot weather. Poor lighting makes these shifts dangerous and inefficient. Loader operators cannot see the bays clearly, and mixer operators struggle to read scales. Install adequate lighting before you need it, not after an accident.

No Dedicated Washdown Area

The mixing area needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent buildup of old feed and to reduce the risk of contamination. Without a dedicated washdown area with a water supply and drainage, the crew skips cleaning or does a poor job. Plan for a washdown area with a concrete pad, a water line, and a drain that leads to a proper disposal point.

Decision Thresholds for Upgrading or Building

How do you know when your current feed storage and mixing area needs an upgrade? Look for these signs.

Signs of Inefficiency

If your crew is spending more than 30 minutes per batch from start to finish, your layout may be inefficient. Time studies of the loading and mixing process can identify bottlenecks. If the mixer spends more time waiting than loading, you need a better layout.

Feed Quality Problems

If you see mold in stored feed, excessive dust in rations, or variable feed intake by cattle, your storage conditions may be the cause. Feed that is stored poorly loses quality and can cause health problems. If you are throwing away spoiled feed regularly, the cost of waste may justify a storage upgrade.

Expansion Plans

Any plan to expand your herd should trigger a review of your feed storage and mixing capacity. It is easier to build additional storage before you need it than to scramble for space after the new cattle arrive. If you are planning to expand by more than 20 percent, start planning your feed area upgrade now.

Regulatory or Safety Issues

If your feed area has safety hazards such as exposed augers, poor lighting, or dust accumulations, address them immediately. An inspection by your insurance company or a regulatory agency may require changes. Do not wait for a citation or an accident to fix safety problems.

Monitoring and Recordkeeping for Feed Storage

Good recordkeeping helps you track feed usage, identify problems early, and make better management decisions.

Daily Feed Records

Record every batch of feed you mix. Include the date, time, batch number, ingredients and amounts, and the pen or group that received the feed. This record helps you track feed intake by pen and identify changes in consumption that may indicate health problems.

Inventory Records

Keep a running inventory of each feed ingredient. Record deliveries as they arrive and usage as you mix. Compare your records to physical inventory weekly or monthly. A significant difference between recorded and actual inventory indicates a problem such as theft, spoilage, or measurement error.

Feed Quality Checks

Inspect stored feed regularly for signs of spoilage. Check the temperature of stored grain, especially in summer. Warm spots indicate heating and potential spoilage. Check wet byproducts for mold and off odors. Record any problems you find and the action you took to correct them.

Equipment Maintenance Records

Track maintenance on your mixer, loader, and other feed equipment. Regular maintenance prevents breakdowns that disrupt feeding schedules. Record oil changes, belt replacements, and any repairs. Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule.

When to Call a Professional

Some feed storage and mixing problems require professional help. Do not hesitate to call an expert when you need one.

Extension Agents and Nutritionists

Your local extension agent can help with feed storage design and management. They have access to research based information and can connect you with other experts. A feedlot nutritionist can help you design rations that match your storage capabilities and mixer capacity.

Call your extension agent when you are planning a new feed area or major renovation. They can review your plans and suggest improvements. They can also help you interpret feed test results and adjust rations based on feed quality.

Veterinarians

Call your veterinarian if you see signs of feed related health problems in your cattle. These include:

Multiple animals off feed or refusing to eat
Signs of mold toxicity such as tremors or seizures
Digestive upsets such as bloat or diarrhea that affect multiple animals
Unexplained deaths that may be related to feed

Your veterinarian can help you diagnose feed related problems and recommend treatment. They can also help you determine if a feed sample should be tested for toxins such as mycotoxins.

Engineers and Contractors

For large projects, consider hiring an agricultural engineer or a feedlot design specialist. They can help with site planning, drainage design, and equipment selection. The cost of professional design is small compared to the cost of a poorly designed facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much feed storage capacity do I need for my feedlot?

Plan for at least two weeks of storage for your most used ingredients. This buffer protects against delivery delays and price increases. For ingredients that are hard to source or that you buy in bulk, consider three to four weeks. Calculate your daily usage first, then multiply by the number of days of storage you want. Remember that wet byproducts should be stored in smaller quantities because they spoil quickly.

Should I build a commodity shed or use open storage?

A commodity shed with three walls and a roof is almost always worth the investment. It protects feed from rain, reduces moisture loss, and keeps feed cleaner. Open storage is cheaper to build but results in higher shrink and more spoilage. Over the life of the facility, the shed pays for itself through reduced feed losses.

What is the best floor for a feed storage area?

Concrete is the best choice for the mixing area and for areas where you load the mixer. It is easy to clean, prevents mud from getting into the ration, and lasts for decades. Gravel works for commodity bays where you store bulk ingredients, but it is harder to clean and can allow moisture to wick up into the feed. A concrete pad with a slight slope for drainage is the best all around choice.

How do I prevent dust problems in my feed mixing area?

Start by designing the area to minimize dust generation. Use a covered conveyor instead of a bucket loader if possible. Install water sprayers at the loading point to knock down dust. Consider a dust collection system if you have a feed mill. Orient the open side of the shed away from prevailing winds. Regular cleaning of the area also reduces accumulated dust that can become airborne.

Can I store wet byproducts in the same shed as dry feed?

No. Wet byproducts should be stored separately from dry feeds. The moisture from wet products can migrate into dry feed and cause spoilage. Wet products also have different storage requirements, including a sloped concrete pad for drainage and a shorter storage life. Keep wet and dry feeds in separate areas to protect feed quality.

How often should I clean my feed storage and mixing area?

Clean the mixing area daily to remove spilled feed and prevent buildup. Sweep or wash the concrete pad after each mixing session. Clean the commodity bays whenever they are empty, removing any old feed and debris. The entire feed area should be cleaned thoroughly at least monthly. Regular cleaning reduces pest problems and keeps feed quality high.

What size mixer do I need for my operation?

Size your mixer based on your peak daily feed delivery and the number of batches you want to run per day. Divide your peak daily tonnage by the number of batches to get the minimum mixer capacity. Most operations run 4 to 8 batches per day. Remember that mixers are rated by volume, not weight, so work with your nutritionist to determine the actual capacity you need for your ration density.

How do I know if my feed is spoiling?

Look for signs of mold, off odors, and heating. Mold appears as fuzzy growth on the surface of the feed. Off odors include sour, musty, or fermented smells. Heating is detected by feeling the feed or using a temperature probe. Grain that is heating has a sweet, musty smell and may have condensation on the surface. If you see any of these signs, test the feed and consider discarding the affected portion.

Related Farming Guides

This section will be populated with links to related farming guides on feedlot management, cattle nutrition, and facility design. Check back for updates or browse the farming guide library for more information.

Related Clinical & Scientific Guides

References

Beef Cattle Research Council: https://www.beefresearch.ca/
USDA APHIS Cattle Health: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cattle
WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code: https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/standards/codes-and-manuals/terrestrial-code-online-access/
FAO Animal Production and Health: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/
WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health): https://www.woah.org/en/home/

This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.