Versatile gear that earns its keep day in and day out.
On a small farm, the best tools are the ones that show up for multiple jobs. Whether you're managing livestock, fencing, water, or infrastructure, space and budget are always limited—so everything needs to work harder.
Here’s a list of tried-and-true tools and gear that regularly prove their value across a range of small farm operations.
1. Post Driver and Puller
If you’re rotating animals or managing temporary fencing, a manual post driver is essential for t-posts and step-ins. A t-post puller—or a high-lift jack with a chain—makes teardown efficient and prevents injury.
2. Cordless Drill or Impact Driver
Used constantly for building chicken tractors, hanging gates, installing fencing hardware, or making field repairs. Attachments like a wire brush, scrubber, or mixing paddle make it even more versatile. Keep a spare charged battery on hand.
3. Propane Torch (Weed Torch)
Used for burning weeds along electric fence lines (carefully!), clearing garden beds without tilling, sterilizing metal tools, or thawing pipes in winter. A straightforward tool with wide utility—just practice standard fire safety. Great for making holes in garden weed mats.
4. Heavy-Duty Garden Cart or Wagon
Look for one with steel sides and pneumatic tires. Useful for moving feed, crates, bedding, tools, firewood, fencing gear, or harvested produce. Removable sides convert it to a flatbed for larger or awkward loads.
5. Multi-Tool (e.g., Leatherman, Gerber)
A reliable multi-tool can handle small repairs on the fly—tightening, cutting, prying—without heading back to the barn.
6. IBC Totes for Mobile Watering
Where water lines aren’t available—especially in silvopasture, mobile poultry systems, or leased ground—repurposed IBC totes are a smart solution. Mounted on a trailer or truck bed, they allow you to gravity-feed or pump water into troughs or buckets. Look for used foodsafe ones that can be deep cleaned and used on the farm.
7. Five-Gallon Buckets
Ubiquitous for a reason. Use them for carrying feed, water, tools, compost, harvested produce, or fencing supplies. Flip one upside-down for a seat or step stool. They’re stackable, cheap, and indispensable. Look for foodsafe ones that are leftover from restaurants.
8. Tough Storage Totes or Contractor Boxes
Essential for organizing gear—whether it’s vet first aid kits, seed, mineral supplements, or fencing tools. Whether you use contractor boxes or old military totes, sturdy containers help keep gear dry, organized, and mobile.
9. Basic Horse or Fence Repair Kit
Keep a small grab-and-go kit in your truck, UTV, or barn that includes:
Final Thoughts
A good farm tool doesn’t sit on a shelf—it’s the one you reach for again and again, no matter the job. The tools above aren’t specialty items—they’re the kind of gear that saves time, prevents frustration, and adapts to whatever the day throws at you.
If you have a piece of gear or a system that’s made your work more efficient, let us know. We’re always looking to share practical solutions from the field.