This 140m long loafing barn by Action Steel uses a canopy as a cost-effective way to gain extra coverage and weather protection.
Photo by
ActionSi
Loafing barns are set to be the next big thing in 2025. But what size should you build?
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Loafing barns play an important role in grazing dairy farms, providing a comfortable environment for cows, which improves milk production and general herd management.
There are other benefits, too, which make them popular projects such as being able to be repurposed as calving sheds, retrofitted for a compost barn or simply providing you with peace of mind.
Thorough project planning is essential to take full advantage of these benefits, and the size of your barn is an important consideration.
The building consultants at Action Steel recommend considering these questions in the initial planning stages:
What are the industry size requirements and recommendations?
Is there existing infrastructure that we need to work in with?
How many cows will be accessing the barn?
What are our plans for future? Will we expand the herd or repurpose the barn for contained housing?
What loafing barn sizes are most cost-effective? What sizes are most functional?
What machinery access will be required?
The building consultants at Action Steel address machinery clearance heights and access requirements in the planning stage to create a functional and future-proof design.
Photo by
ActionSi
Thinking long-term is a smart idea when building a loafing barn.
If you are considering increasing your cow numbers or converting your loafing barn to contained housing, make sure to factor in any size requirements for this now.
For example, when converting your loafing barn to a compost barn or freestall barn you will need to consider what width and bay spacings are required for the internal layout of these types of systems.
Additional details such as machinery access and bedding management will also need to be addressed.
Action – The Big Shed People specialise in dairy infrastructure projects and can work with you to ensure a seamless barn conversion in the future.
Other recommendations include cantilevered canopies as a cost-effective way to gain extra coverage without upsizing the loafing barn. Canopies are commonly used over feed bunks to reduce wastage and prevent inconvenient column placement.
For more loafing barn size recommendations visit: www.actionsteel.com.au
Action – The Big Shed People are silver sponsors of International Dairy Week. Visit Site 7 to discuss your barn project and book a consultation.
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