Most farms will eventually have a construction project to add new facilities or improve existing ones. Depending upon the skill of the owner and scope of the project, those may be done on the farm with or without the help of a contractor.
Consider building planning for animals, people
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A pole barn with clear-span trusses is a good building option for many farms.
Spend time removing topsoil at a building site and add a gravel base larger than the building to promote flow away from the structure.
Laminated post sits on a pre-cast concrete base.
Typical pole barn has a side open to the south.
A one-slope pole barn protects from winter weather.
A hoop structure provides lots of flexibility for uses with animal housing. The top part of each end should be covered with shade cloth to provide ventilation. Side “pony walls” can provide a space for curtains and protect the roof material from animal damage.
Truss roof construction is popular because it eliminates the need for interior posts, making the use of the space very flexible.
Adjustable sidewall curtains can replace enclosed walls and provide ventilation.
