Whether you are a novice farmer just starting out in your career in New Zealand, or a legacy farmer whose parents, and even grandparents, worked on the same land all their lives, it is always important that you understand the types of farm shelters you may need on your property. These can vary dependent on whether you tend to crops or livestock, but are vital nonetheless. Decent, good quality shelters can help protect their contents from changing weather conditions, as well as to help avoid any theft or other loss of property.
- Equipment Barns
Any tractors, trailers, harvesters and the like should be kept within some kind of barn or shelter. These large vehicles are incredibly expensive to replace, so you want to keep them in the best condition possible. Flood and water damage can be truly debilitating, so should be avoided at all costs.
A secure shelter for your vehicles, especially one that has a strong lock, can deter thieves from taking your machinery, as well as to keep people safe from the potential hazards and dangers they pose.
This shelter can also allow you (or an expert) to perform any maintenance on your vehicles and machinery, without the risk of damage or electrocution.
- Livestock Barns
These shelters house various animals you may keep on your farm. Depending on the season, they may not always contain your animals. During cold spells, turbulent weather, or breeding seasons, you may find it is beneficial to your livestock for them to be kept in their shelter.
These barns can be equipped with any enclosures necessary to look after the animals properly. Due to the ability to have barns of a variety of different sizes, you could very well have one large enough to house your pregnant ewes individually, or include sow stalls for pregnant pigs.
Livestock barns would need to meet the size requirements set out by law for the country or state that you live in. This would change depending on the type of animal you are keeping, as well as the quantity.
- Silo
For the arable farmer who spends their time sowing and reaping crops, it can be important to also have a form of shelter for any crops or grains that you harvest, particularly if they are not being taken to be sold immediately. Any damp conditions can allow general rotting and mould to thrive. A silo will keep your crops dry, away from the weather, and stored securely until the time comes to move or sell them.
Ensuring you have the right type of shelter for its designated purpose can help your business flourish. By keeping your livestock, crops, and machinery, safe from both the weather, pests, and any other potential hazards, you will be able to maintain organisation.
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