Why Are Metal Agriculture Buildings a Smart Choice for Farmers and Ranchers?

Farming and ranching are not the same as they were 10 years ago. Many practices have become obsolete and insufficient in response to new demands. Nowadays, technologies such as IoT, AI, and others have made many tasks easier and quicker for ranchers and farmers. Farm building construction has undergone significant changes over time due to reforms in crop development and storage practices. And housing livestock for different purposes increased the need for durable structures.

Moreover, the security of crops and livestock feed has also become crucial than ever before. It requires a flexible metal building that allows all the tech integrations related to security. Traditional wooden barns can’t handle today’s demands like steel can. Because metal buildings offer long-term durability, security, and flexibility. You can also be an eco-friendly farmer and rancher because steel has a smaller carbon footprint.

2023 USDA data shows over 60% of U.S. farms now use at least one prefab building. We have analyzed almost all the aspects of the agriculture metal barn that make it suitable for modern farming and ranching needs. It will help you make the right decision for your business.

What Are Steel Buildings for Agriculture?

Let’s first understand what an AG steel building is. “AG” is an abbreviation for “Agriculture.” A steel building designed keeping agriculture practices and needs in mind is called an AG steel building. It is generally large enough to store crops, feed comfortably. And durable enough to withstand harsh weather conditions in your field.

Since there are various types of work and activities that farmers have to do, a metal farm building is designed according to purpose. Here are the most common types of buildings widely used by animal caretakers and farmers.

Common types:

• Steel Barns
• Hay Storage Buildings
• Equipment Sheds
• Livestock Shelters
• Farm workshops

What Makes Metal AG Building a Smart Choice?

A metal barn for agriculture provides several reasons to choose it over a wooden barn or traditional agricultural structure. Go through all the key reasons and understand why you should invest in metal buildings starting from this year.

Here are some features of a steel building that make it a smart choice. These features are rarely found in wooden structures.

1. All-Weather Ready Solutions: Wooden structures can also withstand weather conditions, although not as effectively as steel barns. An agriculture metal barn stands up to even harsh snow, wind, hail, and rain. The structure is perfect for areas like the Midwest, Texas, and the Mountain West.
2. Fire Doesn’t Stand a Chance: This is the biggest advantage of choosing steel over wood, as steel is less combustible than wooden barns. It can withstand extreme blazes to a great extend. This is a valuable feature for regions prone to wildfires that ruin crops stored inside barns.
3. Goodbye to Pest & Mold for Good Reason: If you store harvested crops and supplies in a barn, pests and termites can spoil them at any time. They grow faster when in contact with wood, moisture, and dirt. But they can’t damage steel buildings. Your livestock metal barn will be a safe place for all your animals throughout the year.
4. One Time Investment, Decades of Saving: Farmers and ranchers need a structure that they can install once and use for several years. A metal farm building is such a space that you can use for at least 5 decades. It is also lightweight and quick to install, thus requiring fewer workers and lower installation costs. Likewise, it is low-maintenance, which keeps expenses lower for repairs and replacements.
5. Customize It Your Way: Steel is flexible, allowing a structure to take various shapes according to the needs of a farmer or rancher. You can easily add stalls, offices, insulation, ventilation, or expand when needed. Steel structures can be utilized for a variety of other purposes. Some practical ideas to repurpose a metal barn will introduce you to its uses beyond agricultural ones.

Benefits of a Metal Farm Building for Farmers:

Several farmers in the United States and other parts of the world utilize metal structures to meet their agribusiness needs. They must have noticed some benefits that drove them towards these structures. Here is how they use a steel barn.

• Crop Storage- Farmers typically use steel barns to protect their crops, grains, fertilizers, hay, and tools from moisture. As you read in the features of steel above, this is a pest and termite-resistant material, which keeps all the items safe. You can add single bubble, double bubble, and woven-R 17 insulation for the sensitive items.
• Equipment Protection- Do you store agri tools and equipment in a steel barn? Do not worry, it is a perfect space to store tools and prevent them from corrosion. If you want to store large items, choose a barn size based on the height and dimensions of the items, such as tractors, plows, seeders, and other expensive machinery.
• On-Farm Workshops- If you like to fix things yourself, you may need extra space to do so. Steel barns come with extra space and flexibility to extend the size. You can transform your prefab barn into an on-farm workshop where you can comfortably repair and replace items. No matter if it’s raining heavily outside, the steel barn will be your comfortable space to work on things with peace of mind.

Benefits of a Metal AG Building for Ranchers:

Ranchers manage a variety of animal and bird species. They need to take care of them throughout the year. It becomes a difficult task without a robust and spacious building, such as a prefabricated barn. Let’s explore how this structure enables ranchers to run their businesses more effectively.

• Customized Livestock Shelter- As you read above, steel is highly flexible; its structure can be customized as per need. You can adjust the space for horses, cows, goats, and poultry. Proper ventilation, such as personalized windows and doors, will ensure adequate airflow within the structure. You can provide enough space and great comfort to animals by choosing a metal barn for them.
• Feed & Hay Storage- Ranchers have to store enough supplies for nurturing animals in all seasons. Therefore, they require a secure location where they can provide food and water for the animals. Steel structures do not get dirty as quickly as wooden and they can also be cleaned promptly. Moreover, they are weather-resistant, so your animal’s feeds and hay do not get spoiled. It keeps feed dry and pest-free with elevated metal barns. If you love organization and separate sections in a building, the Carolina barn will meet your needs effectively.
• Lean-To Additions- Lean-to structures enhance utility because you now have extra space. They are shaded, open-air spaces for animals where they can stand and look outside while remaining safe. A lean-to can be combined with fencing to create a complete livestock area. It depends on your creativity and coordination with the metal building team to determine how you can get the most out of your investment.

Key Prerequisites to Install a Durable AG Building

Most people are aware of the benefits of a steel barn, but not everyone can enjoy all of them. They make some mistakes when buying a structure. You must know them beforehand to avoid any type of loss.

• Level the ground and ensure proper drainage before installation.
• Soil testing may be needed in high-moisture areas.
• Check local county or state zoning laws and codes to get a permit.
• Some areas require snow-load certification or wind rating.
• Decide on your budget and then the type of barn.
• Partner with a reliable metal building dealer in your area.

Before You Leave

Metal buildings are strong structures designed to meet the unique needs of agriculture and ranching businesses. They are weather-resistant solutions that keep pests and mold at bay, as they do not provide a favorable environment for their growth. You can keep all your animals and crops safe inside a steel barn for several months. Insulation and ventilation enhance safety and comfort, so do not forget to add them. Purchase a steel building from a reputable dealer to ensure you don’t have to worry about quality. And, ask all your doubts before finalizing a steel barn.