If you’re running a commercial farming business, or just have some livestock on your farm then you’ll know how important it is to keep your hay supplies fresh and dry. In most instances, this means that you will need to install a hay shed or two.
Local farmers regard adding farm sheds to their properties as a no-brainer. Not only are these sheds excellent for storing farm equipment but they’re also an ideal way to keep hay and other necessary items safe and dry.
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Adding a Hay Shed is Easier Than You Think
Adding a shed to your farm or business takes a lot more thought than looking for the nearest available space. If you’re considering adding a hay shed to your property, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. Our experts have compiled a list of the top pointers that you should be aware of.
1. Know What Size and Style You Need
The most important aspect to consider is the size of the shed you’ll need. To do this you will have to calculate the number of bales you want to store at one time. Many farmers opt for square or rectangular bales as these are easier to store and require less space than their round counterparts.
With this in mind, it’s always a good idea to opt for a custom-built hay shed, rather than a pre-fabricated kit. Custom sheds allow you to build your shed according to your unique requirements. A plus point of custom sheds is that you can add panels or increase the roof height if your storage needs change down the line.
Opting for quality hay sheds that feature Colourbond cladding is an effective way to incorporate your shed design and colour into the rest of your outdoor buildings. This is essential if you’re running a business.
2. Decide on the Best Location
If you have a large property then choosing the best location for your shed is quite easy. In this instance, you’ll want to base the location of your shed on your local weather conditions.
For instance, if you live in South Australia, you’ll want to build your shed facing an easterly direction to avoid the harsh winds that usually come from the southwest. Doing this will ensure that your hay stays as dry and undamaged as possible.
However, if the layout of your farm or your current operation doesn’t leave you with much choice about which direction to opt for, there is a solution. For starters, always insist on using Australian-made steel that has a category 2 wind rating. This will ensure that your shed is strong enough to withstand the best and worst of the Australian climate.
In his instance, you may also want to opt for add-on features such as insulation, windows for ventilation and roller access doors. All of these will go a long way toward keeping your hay dry and safe.
3. Ensure You Have Enough Space for Loading and Unloading
When planning your shed, you will also have to calculate the space needed for loading and unloading. This will require ample space in front of your shed for trucks or vans to deliver your hay.
Ideally, you want to make this process as simple as possible. Loading and unloading should also happen in a way that gets the hay into the shed as quickly as possible. This will avoid contamination or weather damage.
It may be a good idea to review the footing options on offer from your installer. Laying concrete flooring inside and in front of your shed will make it considerably easier for vehicles to move around. Adding sturdy flooring also allows you the flexibility to use or park heavy machinery in the space.
4. Assess the Drainage Required
If you’re living on a farm then you more than likely already have a rainwater harvesting system in place. This is especially necessary in water-scarce areas. It’s also an effective way to reduce the costs associated with using water in your farming processes.
It therefore makes sense that you link your shed to this system. Do this by opting for a skillion roof as this is an effective way to get maximum water into your rain barrels. Add a heavy-duty guttering system that also features intermittent downpipes that will allow water to flow to the end of the shed where it’s easier to collect.
In addition to being a positive step toward sustainability for your farm, a skillion roof combined with a rainwater harvesting system is an effective way to keep rainwater and moisture away from your hay.
Final Thoughts
Whether you want to store large quantities of hay, or only have a few animals to feed, it’s essential to build a shed that’s durable and functional. This ensures that your hay shed can easily be used for other purposes on your farm as your business grows or your storage requirements change. The perfect shed is the ultimate way of keeping your hay safe, dry, and easy to access.
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