In this episode, Erica Lantz of Feeders Grain & Farm Supply sits down with Kevin from Workweld to explore the story, craftsmanship, and quality behind one of the most trusted names in livestock equipment.

Workweld began as a small farm repair shop in 1982 and has grown into a 40,000 sq. ft. U.S.-based manufacturing facility serving over 150 dealers across the United States. In this conversation, we cover how Workweld designs and builds heavy-duty, long-lasting equipment for real producers who demand reliability.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• The history and growth of Workweld manufacturing

• U.S.-sourced steel and material quality

• Creep feeders, bunks, hay feeders, and Handy Hoppers

• Custom-built livestock equipment for unique operations

• Bottomless silage bunks and easy-clean design

• Livestock shelters built to withstand extreme wind

• Why heavier gauge steel makes a real difference

• Standing behind products and dealer-first relationships

Whether you're running cow-calf pairs, feedlot cattle, sheep, goats, hogs, or show livestock, this episode gives an inside look at why quality-built equipment matters and how Workweld supports producers long after the sale.

Available through Feeders Grain & Farm Supply
Questions about availability or sizing? Reach out — we're happy to help match the right equipment to your operation.

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Hi friends, Erica here with Feeders Grain & Farm Supply. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Sioux Steel Company and sit down with Beth and Duane for a tour and conversation about their family-owned business. As a dealer, it's always exciting for me to see where the products I sell come from—and let me tell you, Sioux Steel has a story worth sharing.

A Legacy of Quality

Since 1918 Sioux Steel's roots stretch back over a century to 1918 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. What started with furnaces, ductwork, and floor registers expanded in 1929 into the agricultural world—adding oil tanks, livestock equipment, and eventually the wide variety of products they're known for today.

Now in their fifth generation, Sioux Steel continues to provide everything from grain bins and livestock equipment to engineered fabric buildings and oil containment systems. Their reputation? Solid, durable products built to stand the test of time.

The Famous "Lifetime Warranty Gate"

One of the biggest talking points at Sioux Steel shows and dealer conversations is their lifetime warranty gate. And yes—you read that right. If a gate can no longer do its intended job (holding livestock), Sioux Steel will repair or replace it.

These gates carry a gold sticker, a badge of confidence in their durability. While hinges aren't included under the warranty, the gate itself is built to handle years of livestock pressure. Farmers know these aren't just gates; they're investment pieces. Buy once, use for decades.

HiQual: Built for Heavy Duty

In addition to the gold-standard Sioux Steel line, there's also the HiQual brand—easily recognized by its signature brown color. These gates and panels are especially popular in the Dakotas and the Northwest, where heavier livestock and harsher climates demand tougher equipment.

The HiQual guarantee backs their Super 6 and Cattleman's gates—built with notch tubing and fully welded frames for extra rigidity. They've even been used for bison operations. If you're looking for equipment that can take on extreme conditions, HiQual is the go-to.

More Than Steel—A Family Culture

What impressed me most during my tour wasn't just the products but the people. Sioux Steel is a fifth-generation family business that treats its employees like family, too. Walking through the shop, I could see the pride their team takes in producing quality work.

As a family business owner myself, I know how important it is to partner with companies that not only deliver great products but also care about their dealers and customers. Sioux Steel checks both boxes.

Proudly American-Made

Another thing that stands out? Sioux Steel sources American-made steel. They can even provide melt and pour certifications for projects that require them. By partnering with local and American businesses whenever possible, they keep quality high while supporting other family-owned companies.

It's relationship-driven work—knowing your vendors, calling up a partner when something needs to be expedited, and building trust at every step.

Why Sioux Steel Matters to Farmers

Yes, Sioux Steel products might cost a little more upfront. But as Beth and Duane reminded me, "You buy it once, and you're done." Farmers don't have time to keep replacing equipment—they need products that can hold up to daily use, season after season.

And that's exactly what Sioux Steel has been doing for over 100 years: producing quality equipment built by people who care.

Final Thoughts

Touring Sioux Steel was more than just seeing how gates and bins are made—it was a chance to witness the values behind the brand: quality, integrity, and family. For me as a dealer, it reaffirms why I'm proud to carry their products at Feeders Grain & Farm Supply.

So next time you see a Sioux Steel gate with that silver sticker—or a HiQual brown panel out in a pasture—you'll know there's over a century of craftsmanship, pride, and family tradition welded into every piece.

In this conversation, Erica Lantz interviews Anthony Jones, CEO of Jones Twine and Netwrap, discussing the evolution and importance of netwrap in the baling process. They explore the differences between netwrap and twine, the significance of quality over price, and the risks associated with feeding livestock bales wrapped in netwrap. The discussion also touches on current trends in the industry and the challenges faced by farmers transitioning from traditional methods to modern solutions. In this conversation, Erica Lantz and Anthony Jones discuss the evolution of baler technology, advancements in silage and grain bags, the importance of research and development in agricultural products, pest deterrent technologies, and the significance of building long-term relationships with farmers. They emphasize the need for quality products and the role of R&D in ensuring that agricultural solutions meet the demands of modern farming.

In this conversation, Erica Lantz and Rachel Teller discuss the intricacies of chicken nutrition, focusing on the Fertrell products used at Feeders Grain. Rachel shares her background in animal nutrition and the importance of balanced diets for poultry, including the differences in nutritional needs between chickens and ducks. They explore the benefits of Fertrell's Poultry NutriBalancer, the significance of free choice grit and calcium, and the differences between ground and pelleted feed. The discussion also covers broiler nutrition and the debate between medicated and unmedicated starter feeds, emphasizing natural alternatives for maintaining poultry health. In this conversation, Rachel Teller and Erica Lantz discuss various aspects of chicken care, focusing on gut health, the molting process, the impact of light on egg production, and nutritional needs. They emphasize the importance of probiotics, proper feeding schedules, and managing environmental factors like light and temperature to optimize chicken health and egg production.

Today, we're diving into the importance of minerals in your livestock operation. First up, we chat with Mitchell about why minerals are so crucial for cattle.