A Guide to Using Metal Buildings in the Agriculture and Farming Industry

Metal Buildings and Their Place in Agriculture

From small hay sheds to enormous dairy production facilities, metal buildings have been a cornerstone of the agricultural world for decades. Their immense strength and versatility allow them to take on almost any application, and their hardened nature gives them the durability to last for years in tough environments. No matter where you look in rural America, you’re bound to see one of these structures in use at any time.

Despite the hassle-free nature of metal buildings, investing in one requires ample prep work and a solid grasp of the industry. If you’re new to the design process, knowing what you need and how to use it can be challenging. But that’s okay because today you’ve found our guide.

Stick around for helpful information on using metal buildings in the Agriculture Industry. From their many applications to design considerations that can take your structure to the next level.

Types of Metal Farm Buildings

In Agriculture, there’s no shortage of roles to fill. Luckily, custom metal buildings are adaptable enough to tackle them all. Let’s look at just a few types of metal agricultural buildings you can bring to your operation:

Metal Barns

Metal barns are the workhorses of the agriculture industry. They’re regularly used to house animals, supplies, and other farm equipment you need to keep safe from the elements.

Horse Barns

Metal horse barns offer a secure and comfortable environment for horses to kick back and relax. These barns can be equipped with features like stalls, storage spaces for feed, and tack rooms, giving you a versatile space to work and a cozy space for your animals.

Farm Houses

Metal farmhouses blend the comforts of modern living with the practical side of farm life. These structures are a great, fully customizable housing solution for farm owners, allowing them to be close to their operations while enjoying the benefits of a well-designed home.

Chicken Coops

Metal chicken coops are designed to provide a protected and controlled environment for your “fowl” friends. These structures are well-ventilated and easily maintainable, helping you oversee the health and productivity of your flock.

Milking Facilities

Metal milking facilities are tailored to the needs of dairy farmers, offering a hygienic and efficient space for milking operations. These structures are often equipped with specialized features to streamline the milking process, and can be adjusted to meet your needs.

Cattle Sheds

If you own livestock, you know full well that keeping them safe and comfortable is a big part of the job. Cattle sheds offer a durable, long-lasting solution to protecting your hooved comrades.

Equipment Sheds

Metal equipment sheds are essential for safeguarding valuable farming equipment from the elements. These structures ensure that tractors, plows, and other machinery remain in optimal condition year-round.

Homes and Barndominiums

Homes and barndominiums offer a unique blend of residential comfort and functional design. These structures cater to the lifestyle preferences of farm owners who wish to integrate their living space with their agricultural operations.

Hay Storage

Metal hay storage structures provide a controlled environment for preserving hay food supplies. These buildings are naturally resistant to mold, mildew, pests, and fires, making them incredibly effective for protecting perishables.

Other Great Uses for Steel Buildings

Steel buildings can tackle much more than just farming applications thanks to their modern engineering. Let’s dive into a few additional ways to use these structures:

Recreation and Event Areas

Metal farm buildings make for excellent recreation and event areas. With ample space and an open layout, these structures can be transformed into venues for gatherings, parties, and community events.

AirBnB Barndominiums

The rise of AirBnB has seen a surge in the transformation of metal farm buildings into stylish and comfortable destinations. Barndominiums offer a unique lodging experience with their rustic charm and modern amenities, giving owners extra income with minimal overhead.

Car Storage Buildings

Metal farm buildings serve as secure and spacious storage for family vehicles. Whether it’s a classic car collection, an RV, or simply extra parking space, these structures offer protection from the elements, ensuring that automotive treasures remain pristine.

Riding Arenas

The versatility of metal farm buildings extends to equestrian pursuits. Thanks to their clear span design, metal structures are great sheltered spaces for horse training, riding lessons, equestrian events, and year-round activities regardless of weather conditions.

Home Offices

Metal farm buildings can be converted into comfortable and functional workspaces. With proper insulation and amenities, these structures offer a peaceful and productive environment for those seeking a rural home office experience.

Home Gyms

Creating a home gym in a metal farm building is a creative and practical use of space. Their large, open interiors can accommodate workout equipment, and their durability ensures they can withstand the rigors of exercise equipment and various workout routines.

Design and Construction Considerations

Planning out a metal building project is a big task, and you’ll want all the help you can get to ensure it goes smoothly. Let’s look at a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when approaching your build:

Site Selection

As the adage goes, location is everything. Evaluate the soil conditions, drainage, and topography of the land. Ensure proper water runoff to prevent issues like erosion. Take into account the accessibility of utilities such as water and electricity. A well-chosen site sets the foundation for a durable and functional metal building.

Building Codes and Permits

Before breaking ground, familiarize yourself with local building codes and regulations. Obtain the necessary permits to avoid legal complications. Compliance with codes ensures the safety and structural integrity of your metal building. Consulting with a professional architect or engineer can guide you through the complexities of local requirements.

Foundation Prep

The success of your metal building project hinges on a solid foundation. Proper preparation of the foundation ensures stability and longevity for your structure. For this, we recommend contacting foundation experts to handle the job.

Insulation Options

Proper insulation regulates interior temperature, reducing energy costs and enhancing comfort. Choose from a variety of insulation materials, such as fiberglass, foam board, or reflective insulation, based on your climate and usage needs.

Ventilation and Lighting

If you expect to use your structure for animals, you’ll want adequate ventilation and lighting. This can be accomplished by adding windows and doors, fans, and other forms of active ventilation to your design.

Why Steel Buildings Are the Best Choice for Agricultural Projects of All Sizes

There is a distinct reason why so many farmers and agriculture experts trust steel buildings to handle their toughest jobs. Let’s look at what they bring to the table and what makes them the go-to solution for so many farms around the US.

Protection from Pests

Pests are unwelcome visitors on any farm, and steel buildings are a formidable fortress against them. Unlike traditional wooden structures, steel provides no natural food source for termites or other critters looking for a free meal. It’s a tough barrier that keeps your agricultural investments safe and sound.

Fire-Resistant

In agriculture, where hay, equipment, and other combustibles coexist, fire resistance is not just a desirable trait – it’s a necessity. Steel buildings are inherently fire-resistant and can hold up to temperatures as high as 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, giving you an unrivaled level of fire protection.

Highly Customizable

No two farms are identical, and the beauty of steel lies in its malleability. These structures are highly customizable, allowing you to design a building that caters precisely to your agricultural needs. From equipment storage to livestock shelters, the versatility of steel ensures a tailored solution for every farm.

Diverse Size Options

Whether you’re housing a small flock of chickens or storing a fleet of tractors, steel buildings come in a range of sizes to accommodate your needs. The diversity in size options means you don’t have to compromise – you get the space you need without unnecessary excess.

Advanced Protection from the Elements

Agriculture is at the mercy of the elements, and steel buildings are built to weather the storm, literally. They stand strong against harsh winds, heavy snow loads, and torrential rains. Their advanced protection ensures that your agricultural operations continue unhindered, regardless of what Mother Nature throws your way.

Make Safeway Steel Your Chosen Metal Farm Building Provider Today

From small barns and loafing sheds to enormous agricultural buildings, Safeway Steel knows a thing or two about heavy-duty jobs. Our structures are built with that in mind and can provide you with years of dedicated service.

We utilize modern engineering techniques and offer industry-leading warranties and craftsmanship guarantees, so you know you’re getting a structure that can put in the work.

Don’t waste time with cheap knock-offs that won’t endure the harsh world of farming. Contact Safeway Steel today at  +1 (800) 818-2245, and let us deliver a building you can count on.