Unloading auger

A bulk feed supply system for use in distributing feed grain from a feed tank, the feed supply system comprising a boot unloader coupled to an upstream end of at least one conveyor tube and having an upwardly opening aperture that is matingly positioned in fluid communication with a downwardly opening aperture of the feed tank, wherein the boot unloader comprises:

• an unloader body comprising a front panel and a rear panel into which feed grain flows from the feed tank;
• at least one auger partially received in the unloader body and extending from the unloader body into the at least one conveyor tube, the at least one auger secured to the rear panel with an end bearing, wherein the at least one auger has a helical flighting configured to rotate about an auger axis;
• and
• an auger retention mechanism attached to the unloader body separate from the at least one auger and the end bearing, the auger retention mechanism extending between the front panel and the rear panel of the boot unloader, the auger retention mechanism positioned above the auger axis so that the auger retention mechanism prevents the flighting from deforming upwards within the boot unloader.