Abstract: The present invention relates to a durable animal feeder comprising a pneumatically operated latch-release mechanism which operates to release the lid. The lid is attached to the box by hinge in a biased open position by spring cylinders. The pneumatic latch-release mechanism is actuated by a solenoid which controls the flow of pressurized air to the air piston which operates the lid latch. Once the lid latch is actuated, it releases the lid which then opens by operation of the spring cylinders. The solenoid receives an electric signal from a timer connected to a battery. The timer may also receive an RF signal from a remote RF transmitting source. All of the latch-release mechanisms are protectively contained within the animal feeder. A plurality of animal feeders having an external air jack can be connected as a barn system to a controller for individual animal feeder openings.