Farm & Fleet: Stock Tanks and Gates, Portable Shelters, Auto Service and Pickup

Blain's Farm & Fleet is a family-owned Midwestern retailer with stores across Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and Michigan. It sells farm and livestock supplies, feed and pet food, lawn and garden equipment, tools, workwear and boots, home goods, toys and auto parts, and most stores have a tire and auto service centre. A good Farm & Fleet order depends on getting the specification right on big items, and on using the store network for pickup and service.

Gates, stock tanks and fencing

Farm & Fleet carries livestock gates, panels and stock tanks from brands such as Behlen Country. For gates, measure the opening post to post, then allow for hinge and latch hardware; the listed length is the gate itself, not the opening.

Gauge and tube size decide how a gate stands up to cattle or horses. Heavier-gauge steel and more rails cost more but resist bending. For a paddock with calm horses, a lighter gate is fine; for a working cattle pen, buy the heavier one.

Stock tanks come in galvanised steel and poly. Galvanised tanks are tough and traditional; poly tanks are lighter and do not rust. Check capacity against your herd and whether you need a drain plug or a de-icer in winter. Ask Farm & Fleet staff if you are unsure which heater suits which tank.

Portable shelters and garages

Farm & Fleet sells portable shelters, carports and fabric garages for equipment, hay and vehicles. Compare frame tube diameter, cover fabric weight and the anchoring kit, since wind and snow load are what destroy cheap shelters.

Read the shelter's stated snow and wind ratings, if listed, against your local winters. In heavy-snow areas, clear the roof after storms regardless of rating.

Large shelters ship in heavy boxes. Plan for two people to unload and assemble, and check the Farm & Fleet page for whether the item ships to home or is store pickup only.

Tires, batteries and the auto centre

Farm & Fleet auto centres sell and fit tires for cars, trucks, trailers and farm equipment, and test and install batteries. Book installation online or by phone to avoid a wait on a busy Saturday.

For tires, match the size code on your sidewall exactly and check the load index for trucks that tow. For batteries, match group size and cold cranking amps to your vehicle's requirement; Midwestern winters punish an undersized battery.

Lawn tractor and ATV batteries and tires are stocked too. Bring the old part or its label to the counter if you cannot find the size.

Lawn, garden and home seasons

Farm & Fleet runs its range by season: seed, fertiliser and garden supplies in spring, air conditioners, fans and grills in summer, and heaters, snow gear and insulated workwear in autumn. Buy seasonal items early for choice, or late for clearance.

For window and portable air conditioners, size by room area and check the window type and electrical supply before buying. A unit that is too large short-cycles and dehumidifies poorly. Farm & Fleet lists the cooling capacity on each product page, so compare it with the room size before choosing.

Pickup, shipping and returns

Farm & Fleet offers order online, pick up in store, which is often the cheapest way to get heavy goods such as feed, bagged mulch or water softener salt. Many bulky items are store pickup only in any case.

Home delivery is available on much of the range; check the current shipping costs and thresholds at checkout. Returns can usually be made in store; check the current policy, especially for assembled or used equipment.

Where the Farm & Fleet savings are

Farm & Fleet codes are mostly brand or category specific, and the code name tells you where each belongs. The Behlen code suits a Behlen Country gate, panel or stock tank order; the shelters code suits a portable shelter or garage; the Danby code looks aimed at an air conditioner.

These dollar codes usually carry a minimum spend on the named brand. They pay off on a big-ticket purchase and will not apply to general groceries or feed.

Only one code normally applies per order. If you are buying across two brands, split the purchase into two Farm & Fleet orders so each code applies to its own item.

Check whether the item is store pickup only before applying a code, since codes and pickup usually work together but the stock must be at your chosen store.

Common questions

Does Farm & Fleet install tires?

Yes, at stores with an auto centre. Book ahead to avoid a wait.

Can I pick up Farm & Fleet online orders in store?

Yes, and many bulky items are pickup only. Choose your store at checkout.

Do Farm & Fleet brand codes work on anything?

No. Each code is tied to a named brand or category, usually with a minimum spend.

Which Farm & Fleet stock tank should I buy?

Galvanised for toughness, poly for lighter weight and no rust. Size it to your herd.