Farm buildings and structures
A farm structure is any building or construction on a farm. Good structures protect animals, crops and equipment, save labour and last for many years. They must be sited on well-drained land, near water and roads, with room to expand, and built from local materials where possible.
| Structure | Purpose | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Cattle shed / zero-grazing unit | Shelter, feeding and milking | Roof, floor that is easy to clean, feeding trough, drainage, 4–5 m² per cow |
| Poultry house | Shelter for chickens | Dry, ventilated, nest boxes, perches, 4–5 birds per m² (deep litter) |
| Pig sty | Shelter for pigs | Concrete floor, drainage, shade, 1–2 m² per pig |
| Grain store (crib, silo) | Store grain | Dry, rat-proof, ventilated, raised from the ground |
| Dip tank / spray race | Tick control | Strong walls, drain, holding pen |
| Fence | Controls animals and keeps out thieves | Posts, wire, live fences |
| Greenhouse / nursery | Seedlings and vegetables | Light, ventilation, water |
| Water tank and irrigation canals | Water supply | Free from leaks, with a cover |
Building materials
| Material | Uses | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timber | Frames, roofs, doors | Easy to work | Rots, attacked by termites |
| Bricks and blocks | Walls | Strong and durable | Cost and labour |
| Concrete | Floors, foundations | Hard, easy to clean | Expensive |
| Iron sheets | Roofing | Light and last long | Hot, rust |
| Thatch | Roofing | Cheap, cool | Fire risk, short life |
| Wire mesh | Fencing, poultry runs | Strong | Rusts |
Estimating the size and cost
Worked exampleA poultry house
A farmer plans a deep litter house for 200 layers at 4 birds per square metre. Find the floor area needed.
- Divide.
Answer: The house should have at least 50 m²: for example 10 m × 5 m.
Try itPoultry house size and cost
Choose the number of birds, the stocking density and the cost per square metre.
Key terms
- Farm structure
- A building or construction on a farm.
- Zero grazing
- Keeping cattle in a shed and bringing the feed to them.
- Deep litter
- A system with birds on a thick layer of dry litter.
- Ventilation
- The flow of fresh air.
Summary
- Farm structures shelter animals, crops and equipment.
- Site them on well-drained land with services nearby.
- Choose materials by cost, strength and life.
- Floor area = number of animals × space per animal.