Cattle Guards for Livestock Control – A Complete Guide

Posted on July 3, 2025 by Rob

Cattle guards are an essential tool for effective livestock management, offering a permanent solution for keeping cattle contained while allowing vehicles to cross unrestricted. Available in multiple materials, designs, and configurations, each type serves specific traffic patterns, foundation needs, and environmental requirements. At Barn World, we carry a wide range of cattle guards suited for agricultural, commercial, and private-use applications.

Why Choose a Cattle Guard Instead of a Gate?

A cattle guard—also called a cattle grid or cattle gap—offers a continuous physical barrier to livestock without interrupting vehicle flow. Unlike gates, there’s no need to stop, open, close, or worry about a latch being left unsecured. Cattle guards improve convenience, security, and long-term cost-efficiency.

Continuous protection—24/7 livestock deterrence without manual effort
Less maintenance—no moving parts, latches, or hinges to maintain
Time-saving—eliminates the need to open and close gates multiple times daily
Vehicle-friendly—supports smooth access for trucks, trailers, and tractors
Peace of mind—livestock containment without human error or animal escapes!

Cattle Guard Options and Considerations

Before selecting a cattle guard, consider:

The type of traffic (vehicle size, frequency, and speed)
The species of livestock—cattle are deterred; goats and horses are not recommended
The load rating required for your application
Foundation needs—temporary vs permanent installation

These livestock barriers are primarily designed for cattle. While they may deter deer if spacing is adequate, smaller hoofed animals like goats can sometimes cross them. Cattle guards should not be used with horses due to safety concerns.

Types of Cattle Guards

Top Rail Design Options

Steel cattle guards offer the option of a round top rail or flat rail design and are useful for different types of traffic. The round pipe design is a bit more aggressive as a livestock deterrent; however, it is a rougher ride for crossing vehicles, especially at higher speeds.

For high-speed traffic, a flat top rail cattle guard offers a smoother ride while still providing a barrier for large hoofed animals. These guards are also available with a pre-cast concrete foundation for easy installation.

Round Rail Cattle Guards

Our traditional steel cattle guards are built with heavy-duty steel pipe welded to structural support beams. They are available in round or flat top rail configurations and are commonly used for ranch entrances, pasture gates, and low- to medium-traffic access roads.

The round top rail offers a very effective physical deterrent. Hooves cannot balance on the rounded surface, making cattle unlikely to attempt a crossing.

Flat rail Cattle Guards

The flat-top rail design features a hexagonal top surface, which offers a smoother ride for higher-speed vehicle crossings. Though more comfortable for vehicles, it still maintains enough spacing between rails to prevent hoofed animals from walking across safely. These are frequently used on public roads and areas with higher-speed traffic.

flat rail cattle guard with concrete foundations

Concrete Cattle Guard Forms

Concrete cattle guard forms are a more recent innovation, providing a cost-effective and permanent alternative to steel. Made from lightweight poly material, these forms are shipped affordably and filled with concrete onsite. The form is left in place, creating a long-lasting livestock barrier with its built-in foundation.

One unique benefit of concrete designs is their tapered inner walls. This taper prevents a hoof from slipping deep into the structure, reducing the risk of injury compared to steel bars.

Boxed Cattle Guards

Boxed designs are designed to lay directly on the ground. The box, or skirt, is welded to the perimeter to keep dirt from creeping into the vaulted area below the top rails. It’s an extremely useful and popular design for sites that have low traffic counts like private driveways or remote access areas that don’t require a foundation.

The guard can be set directly on the ground or on crushed gravel to provide drainage. Some will even use railroad ties to help distribute weight from crossing vehicles. Dirt can be pushed up on either side to create vehicle ramps for a quick and easy installation.

ATV Cattle Guards

Designed specifically for small equipment and utility vehicles, our ATV cattle guards offer quick installation and allow all-terrain vehicles to access pastures without opening gates. They’re ideal for checking fencing or moving between large grazing areas and are simple to install by cutting the fence and securing it to the upright brackets.

Please note that with this design, it’s helpful to keep weeds or grasses from growing up through the top rails. It can mask the visual deterrent that can help keep cattle from stumbling upon.

Cattle Guard Wings

Cattle guard wings are an essential accessory for any livestock containment system, providing a secure and seamless connection between a cattle guard and the surrounding fence line. Without wings, livestock may attempt to walk around the ends of the guard, potentially escaping through open gaps between the fencing and the roadway crossing.

These specially designed extensions—also known as cattle grid wings—consist of bolt-on triangular metal panels that attach directly to the ends of the cattle guard. Each wing rises diagonally on a support post, allowing your fence to connect without interruption. This angled design forms a continuous barrier that prevents animals from skirting around the cattle guard, maintaining the integrity of the entire fencing system.

Wings are simple to install and extremely effective. Once bolted to the cattle guard and connected to your fence, they eliminate one of the most common escape points for livestock. Whether you’re working with cattle pastures, driveways, or remote grazing areas, cattle guard wings ensure a reliable and complete containment solution.

Prevents walk-arounds: Stops livestock from bypassing the cattle guard at the fence connection
Easy bolt-on installation: No special tools or fabrication required
Rugged construction: Built from durable steel to withstand weather and livestock pressure
Secure fencing interface: Enables seamless connection of fencing directly to the guard structure

When used alongside a properly installed cattle guard, wings complete the barrier and ensure your livestock stays safely contained. They’re a smart, affordable investment for enhancing farm security, simplifying fence layout, and reducing the need for constant supervision of fence lines near roadway crossings.

Pre-Cast Concrete Cattle Guard Foundations

Ensure a secure and long-lasting installation with pre-cast concrete foundations for flat top rail cattle guards. These heavy-duty footings are engineered to provide a solid base where poured concrete may not be practical. They offer a drop-in-place solution that saves both time and labor while providing excellent structural support.

Benefits of Pre-Cast Concrete Foundations

Time-Saving: Eliminates the need for on-site mixing, forming, and curing
Durable Construction: Built to withstand heavy loads and daily wear
Easy Installation: Ready-to-use—just position in a prepared trench and place your guard
Consistent Quality: Manufactured in controlled environments for maximum strength and reliability

Installation Made Easy

To install, place the pre-cast footing in a leveled trench or graded base, then position your cattle guard directly on top. Backfill the surrounding area, and your installation is complete—no drying time or concrete formwork needed. Their robust structure ensures long-term performance, even in rugged or uneven terrain.

Why Choose Pre-Cast Foundations?

When reliability and installation speed matter, pre-cast concrete foundations provide a dependable base that’s built to last. Ideal for remote installations, areas with restricted access to concrete mixing, or any project where convenience and strength are a priority.

Whether you’re installing a new cattle guard or upgrading an existing system, pre-cast foundations and cattle guard wings help ensure a secure, complete, and professional livestock barrier solution.

For help with selecting the right accessories or to get a quote, call, email, or chat with Barn World today!

Barn World (720) 238-2190 | Sales@BarnWorld.com | BarnWorld.com

Barn World Now Offers Implements for Tractors and ATVs

Posted on July 2, 2025 by Rob

Implements for Tractors to Tackle Land Management, Food Plots, and More with Ease!

Barn World is proud to announce the addition of tractor and ATV implements to our extensive line of agricultural and livestock products! Whether you’re managing a large piece of land, working on a food plot, or just keeping your property in top shape, our new line of implements makes tough jobs easier, faster, and more efficient.

Designed for tractors, UTVs, and ATVs, these rugged tools help with everything from grading and grooming to tilling, harrowing, planting, and cutting. Built tough for serious work, these implements reduce your manual labor, increase productivity, and help you get professional results—whether you’re prepping a food plot, maintaining trails, or working around the homestead.

Food Plot Preparation Made Simple

For hunters, landowners, and wildlife enthusiasts, food plots are essential. Preparing the soil properly ensures healthy growth, and that means multiple steps—clearing, tilling, seeding, and maintaining. Barn World’s new line of equipment simplifies the entire process.

1. Disc Harrows and Tillage

Break up soil, tear up roots, and get a clean planting surface with ease. These disc harrows are perfect for:

Prepping seedbeds
Breaking up hard ground
Mixing fertilizer or compost into the soil

Whether you’re starting a new plot or refreshing an old one, these implements save hours of manual digging and raking.

2. Seeder and Spreader Attachments

After tilling, it’s time to plant. Our seeder and spreader tools are:

Precision-built for even distribution
Ideal for broadcasting seeds and spreading fertilizer or lime
Adjustable to ensure the right coverage for different terrains and plant types

Say goodbye to hand spreading—save time and get consistent growth across your field or food plot.

Grading, Grooming, and Trail Maintenance

Maintaining trails, driveways, and open land used to be backbreaking work. With the right implement, it’s a smooth ride.

3. Grader Blades and Land Levelers

Get the job done quickly with grader blades designed to:

Level gravel driveways and dirt paths
Eliminate washboarding and potholes
Groom trails and access roads with ease

With a single pass, these heavy-duty, hardworking tools leave a clean, even surface—no more ruts, bumps, or standing water.

4. Arena Drags

Keep your riding arenas or dry lots in top shape. Arena drags help:

Break up compacted dirt
Smooth uneven ground
Eliminate clumps and promote proper drainage

Perfect for equestrian facilities and livestock yards, they reduce joint strain for animals and make footing safer.

Versatile Land Management Tools

These implements go beyond just food plots and driveways—they’re essential tools for all-around property maintenance.

5. Landscape Rakes

Clear debris, sticks, rocks, and roots effortlessly with heavy-duty landscape rakes. They’re perfect for:

Post-construction cleanup
Lawn installation
General land clearing

These rakes save hours of hand labor and clean more thoroughly than hand tools ever could.

Cutting and Mowing Made Easy

Keep vegetation under control with mower and cutter attachments that make brush and pasture maintenance a breeze.

6. Brush Cutters and Mowers

Handle heavy grass, weeds, and small saplings with:

Rotary cutters for dense brush
Finish mowers for manicured lawns and pastures

Whether you’re clearing fence lines or maintaining pastures, these tools are efficient, tough, and long-lasting.

Built for ATVs, UTVs, and Tractors

Barn World’s implements are compatible with:

ATVs and UTVs for maneuverability and accessibility
Tractors for larger, more powerful jobs

This flexibility means you can choose the right vehicle for the job—tackle remote areas with an ATV or cover large fields with a tractor.

Built Tough to Work Hard

Each implement we carry is:

Constructed from high-grade steel
Designed for long-term durability
Easy to hook up, operate, and maintain

These tools aren’t toys—they’re work-ready equipment for serious landowners, farmers, ranchers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Shop Tractor & ATV Implements Today at Barn World

With Barn World’s selection of high-quality implements, you can work smarter, not harder. Whether you’re a landowner, a rancher, or a weekend warrior managing your property, these attachments help you do more in less time, with better results!

Browse the new Tractor and ATV Implement Category Now »

Questions?

Need help finding the right implement for your ATV or tractor? Contact Barn World’s team today for expert advice and recommendations tailored to your needs.

Tame Your Land with the Right Tools from Barn World

From planting food plots to grading roads, our new line of implements empowers you to manage your land with ease and confidence. Don’t let hard work wear you down—gear up with Barn World and get the job done right.

Barn World – Livestock & Land Management Made Easy

Call us at 720-238-2190 | Email: sales@barnworld.com

Cattle Oilers for Livestock Pest Control

Posted on July 1, 2025 by Rob

The Power of Cattle Oilers: An Essential Tool for Livestock Health

Keeping cattle and other livestock healthy, comfortable, and productive requires more than just quality feed and water—it also demands proactive pest control. One of the most effective and low-maintenance tools available for managing external parasites like flies, lice, and ticks is the cattle oiler. At Barn World, we offer a variety of cattle oilers designed for ease of use, maximum coverage, and year-round protection.

Whether you’re managing a large ranch or a small homestead, understanding how cattle oilers work and why they’re so beneficial can make a significant impact on your herd’s health and your bottom line.

How Cattle Oilers Work

Cattle oilers are passive pest control systems that livestock use naturally. When cattle rub against the oiler, it applies a controlled amount of insecticide or oil directly to the animal’s coat. The application targets common problem areas like the head, back, and neck, where flies and lice tend to congregate.

These units can be gravity-fed and feature refillable reservoirs that ensure a consistent supply of treatment fluid. As the livestock scratch or groom themselves on the device, the oiler simultaneously delivers relief and protection.

Why Use a Cattle Oiler?

External parasites can cause constant irritation, weight loss, reduced milk production, and the spread of disease within a herd. Flies alone can cost producers more than $50 per head per season in lost performance. Cattle oilers are one of the most cost-effective ways to combat this issue without the labor-intensive work of spraying or pouring treatments manually.

Key benefits include:

Consistent Parasite Control: Cattle self-apply insecticide multiple times per day, keeping pest pressure low.
Reduced Stress: Animals gain relief from irritation and itching, improving overall health.
Increased Weight Gain and Milk Yield: Healthier cattle put more energy into production instead of fighting off pests.
Lower Labor Costs: Minimal upkeep and no need for manual chemical application.
Year-Round Use: Great for summer fly season and winter lice outbreaks.

Different Types of Cattle Oilers Available

At Barn World, we carry a variety of oiler systems designed to suit your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to treat cattle, goats, or other livestock, there’s a reliable solution for your operation.

Spring-Mounted Cattle Oilers

These heavy-duty cattle oilers use one or two springs to allow animals to rub naturally while delivering treatment evenly. The spring action helps maintain contact with the animal while reducing wear and tear on the unit itself. It also helps the animals remove excess hair and dead skin.

Single Spring Models: Great for lighter-duty use and smaller operations.
Double Spring Models: Built for high-traffic areas and large herds.

Each unit includes a reservoir that feeds insecticide into an actuated valve, which then coats the animal through the brush during use. The reservoirs are available in a sturdy steel tank or even a UV-treated poly translucent design, so fluid levels are easy to check at a glance.

Hanging Mop Oilers

These models hang from ceilings, beams, or posts and use a combination of gravity and string mops to deliver pesticide treatments. They’re an excellent choice for barns, alleys, or paddocks where animals congregate.

They are designed as a steel tank with seep holes on each side of the tank at about a 45-degree angle. When agitated by passing cows, the tank tips and releases pesticide onto the felt that wraps the tank. The saturated felt allows the fluid to soak the string mop below without allowing excess waste. The strings of the mop contact a large area, from the head, all across the shoulders, back, and rear, providing excellent protection.

Benefits of hanging oilers:

Easy installation in confined spaces
Lower cost and maintenance
Excellent for targeting the face and back
Easy to use!

Goat Oilers – designed for smaller animals

Goats, sheep, and smaller livestock benefit from oiler systems sized specifically for their frames. These smaller oilers function similarly to cattle units, using brushes and reservoirs for continual insecticide application in areas where flies and lice are an issue.

Easy Installation and Low Maintenance

Cattle oilers are designed with busy ranchers in mind. Most units require minimal tools for setup and can be mounted to posts, walls, or hung from overhead beams. Replacing or refilling oil or insecticide is quick and easy, and many models are built from rugged steel or powder-coated frames for long-term outdoor use.

Maintenance Tips:

Check fluid levels often during peak fly season
Clean applicator strings and brushes as needed
Use only approved insecticides and backrubber oils
Consult your vet for the most effective pesticide in your area

With regular use and minor maintenance, a cattle oiler can provide years of reliable service.

Choose the Right Insecticide

It’s important to pair your cattle oiler with an appropriate backrubber insecticide or oil. At Barn World, we recommend high-quality formulations designed specifically for use in oiler systems. These products are safe for livestock when used as directed and provide broad-spectrum control of flies, lice, ticks, and mites. A visit to your vet for a recommendation is a great idea!

Why Shop Cattle Oilers at Barn World?

As a trusted supplier of livestock equipment, Barn World offers only high-quality, field-tested cattle oilers that are proven to perform in all types of environments. When you shop with us, you get:

Expert Product Support: We’re here to help match the right oiler to your operation.
Fast Shipping: Oiler orders ship quickly, so you can get to protecting your herd without delay.
Durable Construction: Our oilers are built to withstand rugged conditions and are designed for outdoor use in metal and poly tank designs.
Solutions for All Livestock: From goats to full-size cattle, we have you, and them, covered!

Final Thoughts

Cattle oilers are an indispensable tool in any livestock operation. They offer a simple, effective, and economical way to protect animals from the costly effects of flies, lice, and other parasites. With minimal maintenance, they can provide year-round protection, improve animal comfort, and boost productivity.

Explore Barn World’s full selection of cattle oilers here and give your livestock the pest-free environment they deserve.

Get your cattle and farm animals covered and protected from the dangers of pests with a Cattle Oiler today!

Call, Email, or Chat on our website anytime, and we’ll be happy to help.

Barn World | (720) 238-2190 | Sales@BarnWorld.com