I've had a piggy feeder in my yard for quite a while, and only recently got Remote Herdskeeping Skill completed. Seems like the feeder was working even though I didn't have the skill. I was able to deposit food into it right away, and it looks like the piggies were eating out of it (there was food missing) while I was gone. I get the milker and the meat collector not being able to be used until you earn this skill, but you should be able to leave food out for your animals while away (it's called being responsible). I like the way it is now, but if so, then the skills warnings for the feeder need to be removed on this piece of equipment.