Why Are Agriculture Buildings Essential for Modern Farming?

The face of farming has drastically changed in just a decade of time. Machines are larger, storage needs have increased, and the tolerance for errors in protecting feed, equipment and animals has decreased. When operations start to increase, the need for having the proper structures in place is no longer a luxury — it's a necessity of running an efficient farm.

Some of the most significant investments a farm makes annually include machinery, feed and harvested crops. Exposing equipment to the elements of snow, rain or temperature fluctuations significantly reduces its life and increases repair expenses. Good agriculture buildings provide farmers with a secure place to keep these assets safely and protect them from the weather, and also accessibility will be much easier and more convenient to farmers during busy seasons of planting and harvest.

Supporting livestock health and safety

Shelter is more than equipment, it's about animals also. A good structure offers shelter to livestock during the winter months, in hot weather and from predators and this has an impact on the health and productivity of the herd. The correct design, layout and ventilation of these buildings also helps to limit the transmission of disease within the buildings, which can make a significant difference to a farm's profit on a seasonal basis.

If you have ever operated a farm you know what a time waster it is to spend time looking for tools, moving equipment and storage issues. A well designed building with a logical layout; ample doorway width, clear walkways and sufficient room for the capacity of the building not to be exceeded will save real time when it is needed most during the busiest time of the year. This sort of efficiency quickly adds up when planting or picking hours matter.

Why post frame construction fits so well

When it involves really constructing these structures, one approach is always constant for agricultural use. The use of deeply placed posts for Post frame construction can provide a large open structure without the intrusion of posts that obstruct equipment or storage arrangements. It is also quicker to construct and more economical than the steel or traditional stud frame options would be, which is important for farms with limited budgets for their season.

Built to handle the elements

The weather assaults the farm structures all year long, and buildings that are required to safeguard the farm must be designed to withstand the weather. Any of these are potential threats—heavy snows, wind, shifting terrain, etc.—in your area, and if the structure is not designed to withstand them, it will be much harder to make it last than people think. A builder who takes your local situation into account from the outset makes a difference to the longevity of the building.

Housing and protection requirements are often met sooner on many farms than planned. Flocks grow, machinery grows larger, new crops or enterprises need more land. Building with some space for expansion — instead of measuring precisely what is needed — can negate the expense and trouble of having to build a completely new building only a few years later.

Working with a builder who understands farming

Not all construction companies are aware of the special requirements that farming operations require. A team that has actually worked in rural and farm buildings will design it differently to a generic contractor, taking into consideration seasonal workflow, equipment clearance, ventilation and more. Western Canadian Building Solutions does this too, providing turnkey construction, permitting assistance and foundation work by a team that knows what farms require from their buildings.

Final thoughts

With increasing size and modernization of farms, the proper structures are essential and no longer optional to ensure the protection of equipment, animals and crops while maintaining the smooth running of the daily activities. Whether you are building a new structure or renovating your existing facilities, Western Canadian Building Solutions will give you a consultation to help design a structure that meets your farm's requirements and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What size structure do I need on my farm?

 This will depend on size of herd, storage requirements, the type of equipment currently installed, and future expansion. Hiring a proven team such as Western Canadian Building Solutions can help you avoid overbuilding something that you will need to upgrade in just a few years.

2. What attributes are most important to livestock shelters in particular?

 Good ventilation, drainage and layout for good movement and cleaning. The information has a direct impact on animal health and can help limit the transmission of disease in the herd.

3. What is the impact of overall building size on the overall building cost?

 While of course the price of a bigger structure will be higher, the size of the structure may also affect the per-square-foot dollar costs, as larger structures may be more efficient in the use of materials and labor. You need to get a detailed quote on your specific needs in order to grasp true costs.