Metal Buildings for Livestock

Why Farmers Are Choosing Metal Buildings for Livestock and Crops?

Visionary and futuristic farmers across the United States have been the first ones to see immense potential in prefabricated steel farm buildings. They are highly reliable alternatives to traditional barns and help farmers efficiently focus on agricultural operations.

When you are running a large farm property, there are multiple uses that metal buildings can serve — ranging from storage solutions to housing livestock. These durable and robust structures are easy to install and can be customized in terms of layout to meet your specific needs.

Versatility: Different Types of Steel AG Buildings

From crop storage facilities to distribution centers, there are various applications of agricultural metal buildings. A few are:

  • Crop storage facilities: Steel buildings can be designed to control climate within the structure to maintain optimal levels of temperature and humidity for storing different crops. The wide and clear span structures will also allow you to access everything easily. Metal farm buildings can also install adequate ventilation to prevent access moisture buildup. You can add a mezzanine flooring for additional storage space.
  • Storing equipment and farm vehicles: Farm equipment is expensive and critical to every agricultural operation. Metal structures help you in effectively storing equipment and vehicles. Opt for high ceilings for large vehicles and wide entrances for easy access. You can also add a workshop area to carry out repairs or maintenance work.
  • Housing livestock: Whether it is a well-designed steel barn, robust stable, or large dairy facility, metal buildings can efficiently house livestock. Install high R-value insulation for additional comfort for your animals. Customize stall layouts as well as integrate grooming, milking, and feeding areas. You can also maintain hygiene within livestock barns, as steel surfaces are highly easy to clean.
  • Distribution centers: Several farms handle their own distribution, requiring large-scale storage facilities. Metal buildings can be designed to be up to 300 feet wide and 80 feet tall. You can install loading docks for proper shipping handling, control the temperature in storage areas, and design an office space to manage logistics with these structures.
  • Farm retail outlets: Several farms are also diving into on-site retail stores. This diversified utilization of space allows farmers to sell their produce directly to the customers. You can design an attractive storefront by installing large windows, using the open floor plan to display products, and creating a processing area.
  • Multi-purpose facilities: If you wish to carry out various functions under a single roof, then opting for metal buildings is the ideal solution. You can carry out the following activities:
Poultry and livestock shelters Storing crops, feed, and hay Horse barns
Dairy barns Storing tools and equipment Parking farm vehicles

Why Prefer Metal Buildings for Farm Activities?

Other than their diverse application, there are several other significant benefits offered by metal agricultural buildings, which make them ideal structures when caring for livestock or housing crops.

Economical

To understand which components cost how much, it is crucial to get a breakup of metal building costs:

Component Cost
Material 50 percent
Labor 20 percent
Foundation 15 percent
Design as well as engineering 10 percent
Permits 5 percent
    • Cost per square foot: Steel structures cost between $15 and $40 per square foot, depending upon design complexities. Meanwhile, wooden buildings are known to cost between $20 and $100 per square foot.
    • Low power bills: By installing windows, skylights, insulation, and proper ventilation, you can easily reduce your electricity usage. Moreover, consider setting up solar panels to reduce power bills further.
  • Reduced insurance fees: Certified metal buildings guarantee high durability and structural integrity, which means that they can stand through general wear and tear as well as harsh conditions. Due to their ability to retain strength for decades, the insurance fees for these structures are up to 40% lower than those for traditional buildings.
  • Low transportation and labor costs: Prefabricated livestock barns are built off-site and assembled on-site, which reduces labor costs. Moreover, as steel is lightweight in nature, the transportation and handling costs of the building components are also significantly low.

Long-term protection

Steel farm buildings are resistant to most elements and also protect your livestock and crops from a range of things, including:

  • Fire: Steel is a non-combustible material and has a melting point between  2,500° and 2,800° Fahrenheit. These buildings do not burn, ignite, or release flammable gases in typical building fires. With proper coatings like intumescent or vermiculite, they can further withstand intense fires.
  • Pest and mold: Unlike wooden structures, which are susceptible to pest and termite infestations, metal buildings are resistant to them. Due to the inorganic nature of steel, these structures do not harbor insects.
  • Adverse weather conditions: Whether it is scorching sun or heavy rainfall, metal agricultural buildings can withstand harsh climates. With reinforced frames along with vertical corrugated roofs and side panels, you can enhance the strength of the farm building to protect your equipment and animals.
  • Rust: Galvanized steel, which features a protective zinc coating over steel, protects metal buildings from being compromised to rust and corrosion. You can additionally apply rust-proof coatings to safeguard the structure further.
  • Theft: Your livestock, produced crops, and farming tools are extremely valuable, and protecting them from theft or damage is crucial. While steel buildings will keep them concealed, you can install comprehensive security systems to deter any predators or robbers from entering your farm.

Low maintenance

Along with being easily customizable, steel farm buildings are also extremely durable and require low upkeep. With a properly sealed metal building, you do not have to worry about spending funds on termite inspections and control, regular repainting, as well as recoating.

These structures do not allow insects like rodents and fire ants to enter the building. Moreover, cleaning steel surfaces is also easier as steel is non-porous and anti-fungal.

Ease of expansion

Metal agricultural buildings are easily expandable due to their prefabricated nature, allowing you to increase the floor print of your livestock barns as your farm operations expand. The modular frames are generally designed to interlock. Hence, you can add sections without having to modify the structure extensively. Other than adding bays and sections, you can also integrate roof panels or wings into the existing frame without carrying out complex expansions.

Due to clear-span interiors and extendable foundations, the expansion of metal structures does not require significant rework. Moreover, roof expansions like lean-tos, overhangs, or canopies can be carried out without compromising the primary structure.

All in All

As a farmer, steel buildings offer immense potential not just in terms of allowing you to carry out numerous activities under one structure but also to help you carry out farm operations efficiently. These structures can also be customized in layout to ensure that they are tailored to meet your every need.

Contact a metal building dealer near you today to build the metal farm building of your dreams, which will maximize the protection of your livestock and feed.

About Ja Aysh Kar

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