Farm Structure – Do you own a farm here in sunny South Africa? Are you looking to expand your farm structures, or just build a whole new one on your farm? You are? Well, that is an excellent plan! But, have you considered what it cost to build a farm structure? The costs regarding building a farm structure ranges on the type of structures you are going to be building. In this article, we will give you the true meaning of a farm structure, as well as what types of materials you can use and what the costs will entail.
What is the Farm Structure?
Farm structures are usually different types of physical constructions that are built on a farm for the purpose of livestock and crop production. These structures help to increase the efficiency of agricultural production. Most of the farm production processes are carried out under the controlled environment in order to maximize the outcome. For example:
- Animals
must be protected from nature’s elements, like rain, wind or high sunlight
intensity. In protecting the animals from these harsh elements, you help to
keep them healthy. - Harvested
crops must be protected from water, insects, fungi and extreme temperatures. - Farm
machinery must be protected from rain and dirt. This helps to keep the
depreciation level to a minimum.
Where on the farm should I build this structure?
Farm structures should be built in suitable areas for the farmer’s ease of use. Siting is very important in the construction of any farm structures and buildings. But wait, what is sitting? Sitting refers to locating an area where the particular farm structure or building is to be constructed.
What are
the factors I should consider when selecting the siting?
Topography
If the land is too sloppy, there will be high chances of a landslide
occurrence. If the land is too flat, there is a likelihood that poor drainage
will lead to flooding. A relatively flat free drained are is the most suitable
for your farm structure.
Prevailing winds and rainfall
Windbreaks are put perpendicular to the direction of the wind so that it
can reduce the velocity of the wind. Strong winds can destroy buildings. You
should site the farm structures so that it is facing away from the direction of
the wind, and away from the direction of prevailing rains. In doing this, you
minimize the chances of water entering the buildings.
Soil type
The soil characteristics and strength determines its ability to
withstand any stress that is exerted by a building. Build farm structures or
buildings on firm, well-drained soils.
Nearness to utility sources
Farm structures or buildings should be built near utility sources such as electrical power lines, telephone lines, and piped water. This allows for cheaper access to essential services.
Sewage disposal
The design must be in such a way the lengths are in straight lines for
the ease of cleaning when the pipes are blocked. The system should be
accessible to a disposal vehicle.
Security
The area that you have chosen must be secure against theft, vermin intrusion, fire, and trespassers.
Different
farm structures available and their uses
There are many types of farm structures available that are used for different purposes. Some are used for the housing of the farmers and their families, or even the workers on the farm. Some can be used for crops, livestock, and equipment. But here are a few worth mentioning:
Farmhouse
A farmhouse is a structure used primarily as a residence for families, farmers, and workers on a farm. If desired, it can be sometimes connected to a barn.
Barn
This is a popular type of farm structure and is only used for one
purpose. The barn can serve as a shelter for livestock or livestock feeds like
hay, grains, etc. It can also be used to store farm produces, farm supplies and
machinery.
Chicken coop or chicken house
This is a small structure that is used for keeping chickens, especially
the female ones. The structure is built with the purpose to protect them from
bad weather, as well as to serve as a place where they can lay their eggs for
easy collection. The chickens are not kept in the coop all day. The structure
has a door that allows the chickens to come outside during the day and enjoy
the sunlight. At night, they have a warm cozy home to sleep in.
Brooder House
A brooder house is a farm structure that is used for keeping young
livestock, especially poultry. This structure is known to be a heated enclosed
shelter.
Cow-shed
Also referred to as a barn, this structure is designed for the purpose
of keeping cows.
A Shed
This is one of the simplest farm structures available. A shed is a
structure that is used for the storing of equipment or to act as a small
workshop.
What are
the factors I should consider when choosing my building material?
When
choosing to build a farm structure on your farm, remember that there are a
whole lot of factors you should first look in to. One of those factors is what
type of material you are looking to use. Factors which are important in
determining which material to use are:
- Durability
- Strength
- Labor
- Availability
- Workability
- Serviceability
- Cost
sanitation
Different
construction materials that can be used
Stones and
bricks
Advantages
- Stones
and bricks are durable - Easy
to disinfect - Resistant
to weather and insect decay - Easily
available
Disadvantages
- They are bulky and require skilled labor to make them.
Plastic and Synthetic Materials (Including glass, asbestos fiber and polythene materials)
Advantages
- Light
- Cheap (depending on the quality)
- Easy to disinfect
- Can be molded into any shape
- Durable
- Cannot be destroyed by insects and fungus
- Waterproof
Disadvantages
- Easily
destroyed (fragile) - Very
expensive in large quantities - Requires
a skilled worker
Wood
(Timber)
Advantages
- Workable
- Cheap
- Can
be re-used - Fairly
strong
Disadvantages
- Can
catch fire easily - Decay
happens when exposed to water - Can
be affected by fungus and insects
Concrete (a mixture of cement, sand, aggregate, and water)
Advantages
- Durable
- Workable
- Easy
to disinfect - Cheap
to maintain - Fire
resistant
Disadvantages
- Material is expensive
- Requires a skilled worker
- Bulky
- It cannot be re-used.
Steel
Advantages
- High
strength to weight ratio - Easily
fabricated and produced massively - Flexible
- Relatively
cheap when compared to other building materials - Durable
Disadvantages
- Is an alloy or iron – makes it susceptible to corrosion (can be prevented by using anti-corrosion applications)
- High maintenance costs due to having to be painted to make it corrosion-resistant
- Not fireproof
- Chances of buckling
- High expansion rate with changing temperatures.
How much
does it cost to build a farm structure?
When building a farm structure, there will be a variety of materials you can choose from. But you need to consider which material suits your budget the best. Below are an estimated price of building a farm structure with the different materials:
Steel
When building a farm structure from steel that is 40×60 (2400 square foot), you can be sure to be spending R246 399.70, which works out R101.46 per square foot.
Wood
When
choosing to go with wood (or rather poles), a 40×60 pole barn will cost about
R507 293.50 up to R1 014 587.00 to build. This gives you R217.41 up to R434.82
per square foot. If you are looking to build a larger and more complex pole
barn, the cost can range up to R1 449 410.00 when it is fully finished, costing
you R652.23 per square foot.
Concrete
Considering
to build your structure with concrete? Well, I would advise you to reconsider.
A simple 40×60 concrete slab that is 6 inches thick will cost you between R123
199.85 and R173 929.20. And this is just for the slab, not even the walls or
the roof!
And the
best option is…
So with all
the consideration that needs to be done before you start on the construction of
your farm structure, it is best to look at the best option that is affordable.
With our Agri Dome, you can be sure to get the best quality of farm structures
there are on the South African market. Not only is it the best quality, but it
is also the most affordable structure.
Feel free
to read more about our Agri Dome in these articles: