Dennis Fisher's big bale feeder also keeps his calves dry and warm. The steel 5 by 10-ft. Feed-N-Shelter Combo stands about 3 ft. off the ground with 3 solid sidewalls. The one open side and no floor make the shelter ideal for calves.

"I have a 100-head cow herd and 4 Feed-N-Shelter Combos," says Fisher. "The feeder works fine for a big bale of hay, which is about right for 25 cows, and the shelter handles about 25 calves for the first 4 months or so. They can be pretty good size and still get in there."

Fisher notes that hay over the top helps to insulate the shelter. At the same time, hay that drops gets dragged inside by the calves to serve as bedding as they move in and out.

"The calves will find the roof and get under it while the cows are standing around eating," says Fisher. "When the wind is blowing, those shelters get full of calves. The big thing is for them to get out of the wind, no matter what the temperature is."

Fisher likes the Feed-N-Shelter for ease in moving as well. He can pick a unit up with bale spears and set it down in a clean area. It's designed to fit into small areas or at the edge of a building.

"When it's muddy in the spring, I put them in line and feed the cows sugar beets for energy or even a mixed ration," says Fisher. "It works like a high bunk feeder. The cows can reach to the middle and clean it off."

Fisher fabricates the Feed-N-Shelter Combos with 11-ga. steel for the feeder floor/shelter roof and sides. He uses 2-in. sq. steel tubing for framing.

"They weigh about 1,000 lbs. each," says Fisher. "I sized them in part for easy delivery by truck. They are priced at $825 each, FOB, Watertown, S. Dak."