How to Protect Bulk Grain and Pelleted Feed From Winter Damage

We are proud to share that Barn Owl has been named the Top Farm and Ranch Camera Company 2026 by AgriBusiness Review. This recognition means a great deal to our team, because it reflects both the trust of our customers and the validation of leaders across the agricultural industry. The award was based on nominations from readers and a thorough evaluation by a panel of C level executives, industry experts and the publication’s editorial board, as described in the certificate. A Recognition Rooted in Real Customer Impact Barn Owl was created to solve a problem that many ranchers know well. Long days and long distances often stand between them and the equipment, animals and infrastructure they rely on. In the feature article, AgriBusiness Review highlighted how Barn Owl grew from this challenge and how our mission has stayed focused on one idea: making remote monitoring possible anywhere Our camera systems are built to be simple to set up, rugged in the field and dependable in the moments that matter. The article describes how our ready to install kits, solar powered operation and cellular connectivity give ranchers instant access without the need for WiFi or on site maintenance. This combination of simplicity and durability was a key reason Barn Owl stood out in the evaluation. Designed for the Real World RangeCam 2 and RangeCam Live were also recognized for their flexibility across a wide range of environments. From monitoring water tanks to protecting calving areas to securing remote entrances, customers rely on Barn Owl to keep them connected when physical distance gets in the way. The editorial feature noted Barn Owl’s strong value, its reliable alert system and the engineering behind the scenes that protects every transmission. What This Award Means for Us This award is a milestone, but it is also motivation. We will continue to build tools that save time, reduce stress and help people protect the land and assets they care about. Our mission remains the same as the day Barn Owl began. Technology should serve the people who work the land, not the other way around. We are grateful to our customers for trusting Barn Owl and to AgriBusiness Review for recognizing the work our team puts in every day. If you would like to read the full feature story, you can find it here: https://www.agribusinessreview.com/barn-owl

Bulk feed is convenient, but it’s also vulnerable. Winter moisture, condensation, and pests can turn a perfectly good load of grain into waste — fast. Here’s how to protect your bulk feed investments. 1. Keep Bin Lids Fully Closed and Latched Even a tiny gap invites: moisture raccoons birds rodents Make sure gaskets and seals are intact. 2. Check for Condensation Inside Bins Temperature swings cause moisture to collect on bin walls and drip into feed. Solutions: insulated bin roofs drying fans managing bin fill level to reduce air pockets 3. Inspect Augers and Delivery Points Worn augers can: spill feed attract pests leave grain exposed to moisture A quick check each month prevents costly loss. 4. Add Gravel or Concrete Under Exterior Bins Standing water or melting snow around bin bases leads to: rust moldy feed rodent burrowing Improving drainage protects both feed and equipment. 5. Use Cameras to Monitor Bin Access Points Place a camera where: the auger meets the barn the bin ladder is located livestock or wildlife approach Cameras can alert you to: raccoons climbing bins feed spills storm damage nighttime trespassing Barn Owl cameras are weather-resistant and ideal for monitoring exterior feed areas. A single camera can save hundreds of dollars in bulk-feed losses each year.

Not all feed types are equally vulnerable. Some spoil quickly, some attract rodents fiercely, and others require special handling during the cold season. Here’s a breakdown of how winter affects common feed types. 1. Hay: Vulnerable to Moisture and Mold Hay suffers most from: roof leaks ground moisture snow blowing into open barns high humidity Once mold starts, it spreads fast — and it’s unsafe for many livestock species. 2. Pelleted and Textured Feed: Vulnerable to Rodents Pellets attract: mice rats raccoons skunks Rodents target sweet feeds most aggressively. 3. Loose Grain: Vulnerable to Both Moisture and Pests Loose grain is the hardest to protect. Risks include: condensation in bins wildlife intrusion spoilage near bin walls clumping 4. Supplements and Mineral: Usually Stable, Until Contaminated Minerals and blocks keep well in cold weather, but: raccoons love sweet mineral horses may break into mineral tubs spilled mineral draws wildlife 5. How to Monitor Different Feed Types Each feed type has different signs of spoilage. Cameras help by capturing: dripping condensation on hay rodents entering pelleted-feed rooms wildlife around grain bins livestock breaking into mineral tubs Barn Owl cameras provide high-quality night footage that makes early detection easy. Know which feed is at risk — and protect it before winter hits hard.