I didn't clearify, I could not afford to keep this feeder full every time it is emptied. It holds a 1000 pounds and I it usually cost about 160 to 200 dollars every time I fill it, which is about once every month and a half. Through the winter and summer it is usually any where from 1200 to 1500 a year. Granted I could probably fill it every 3 weeks I really can't afford it, but I figure what I can afford will only help. Not to mention it is a tax write off at the end of the year. If I had the adequate rain fall it might be cheaper to invest in food plots, especially in the long run.