Pride of the Farm Waterers

Pride of the Farm has deep roots in American Agriculture as they started production in 1921 and now manufactured in Houghton, IA by Hawkeye Steel. Pride of the Farm waterers and mineral feeders have a reputation for quality and reliability. 

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Pride of the Farm Drinkers: Model Guide, Installation Tips & FAQs

Pride of the Farm delivers rugged, efficient livestock drinkers designed for farm-scale durability and winter performance. With two primary series—Performance One (heated) and Polar-Max (energy-free)—they serve barns, feedlots, paddocks, and remote pastures. Their design emphasizes heavy insulation, simple service access, and proven valve/float assemblies.

Why producers trust Pride of the Farm

  • Foam-filled insulation with R-value ~7.5 per inch, reducing heat loss.
  • Double-protected valves: valve chamber isolated from ambient air, reducing freezing risk.
  • Patented water circulation in heated models to distribute heat efficiently.
  • Only ~250 W heater needed in many heated units, or zero power in energy-free models when set up properly.
  • Large drains and quick-access covers for cleaning and maintenance without major downtime.
  • Warranty: 5-year unconditional poly body + 11-year prorated; valve/heater parts 18 months.

Pride of the Farm FAQ's

Do Pride of the Farm drinkers freeze?

Installation is imperative. Follow the installation instructions and avoid taking shortcuts. Pride of the Farm waterers are long-term installations so you want to do things right the first time and to have to make modifications along the way.

Heated models: Not when installed correctly, electricity is on and heater is functioning— the catalog’s cold chamber test showed no freeze at −30 °F for 7 days for the WPO1/6 models.

Energy-Free units: They work without electricity when installed properly and usage is sufficient; however, in low-usage or extreme-wind settings you may need a heater or backup option.

What valve is used in these drinkers?

Most models use the VT100 or Durapride VP valve, for reliability and easy level adjustment.

What replacement parts should I keep on hand?

  • Valve seat/assembly (VT100/VP) — most common wear item.
  • The float
  • 250W heater element (for heated series).
  • Drain plugs

How much power do the heated models use?

Pride of the Farm estimates ~$10 in power per winter season for many heated units (based on average use, insulation, and thermostat control).

What’s the biggest mistake in installation?

  • For energy-free units: the supply line above frost, wet valve pit, or insufficient head count all compromise performance.
  • For heated units: incorrect heater wiring, lack of drainage, or improper mounting or installation reduce service life.

Installation Tips & Best Practices

For Heated Models (Performance One)

  • Ensure supply line enters the water zone (reduces heater load).
  • Use the correct valve (e.g., VT100 or Durapride) and set up the thermostat so the heater activates only when needed.
  • Use the large dual drains (internal + external) to clean out and prevent sediment buildup.

For Polar-Max Energy-Free Models

  • Bury supply line well below frost depth and ensure adequate animal usage; many producers report excellent performance when ≥20 head use the unit daily in winter.
  • Ensure the heater pit/valve chamber remains dry and is sealed from ambient air — a damp pit kills freeze resistance.

General Maintenance Tips

  • Inspect the valve seat and float each fall—replace if leaking or sticking.
  • Check gaskets and hinges to ensure lids seal properly; a leaking lid means heat loss.
  • Drain/flush at least once per year; use the external drain to flush out debris easily.

Why Choose Pride of the Farm

WIf you want a waterer that’s built for rugged farm use, minimal service, strong freeze resistance, and long life, Pride of the Farm stands out. Their heated units solve the winter water problem simply. Their energy-free line offers a power-free alternative when used properly. For barns, feedlots, confinement facilities or remote pastures—Pride of the Farm is a top performer.

Model Families & Fit-Best Uses
Series Typical Use Heater/Energy Type Highlights
Performance One (WPO1, WPO6, WPO17) Barns, high-traffic pens, outdoor paddocks 250 W heater (optional for WPO1/WPO6) Single/multi-opening, large capacity, drains in/out, box-stall friendly.
Polar-Max Energy-Free Series Remote pastures, no-electricity setups, heavy-stock herds No electric heater—uses geothermal + animal traffic Zero energy consumption; designed for high-head count, correct burial required.