Different types of farms require specific buildings and outbuildings. Farmhouses have a main barn, outbuildings, and accommodation for owners and laborers. Livestock farms have stables, containment buildings, and warehouses. Ranches need a separate building for hay and a large equipment building. Fuel storage sheds, well houses, and indoor arenas are also important. Grain storage silos are crucial for crop storage and faster harvest. Vineyards need a place for processing grapes and a cellar, while fruit farms need suitable storage areas.
The type of farm you manage will determine the buildings on your farm. Different types of farms require specific buildings and outbuildings to run an efficient operation. Most farmhouses have a main barn and several outbuildings. They also have a farmhouse for the owners and some form of keeper’s dormitory or accommodation for the labourers. The main barn and farmhouse are usually wooden buildings. Outbuildings can be both metal and wooden.
For farms that raise animals and livestock, the main stable houses the animals. For the horses, there will be rows of stalls, a grooming area, tack room and perhaps a shower. For cattle, goats, llamas and sheep, the main stable will be a place of refuge from the elements. Even large projects such as milking, calving and shearing can be carried out here. Inside the main barn is usually a warehouse that holds the supply items pertinent to your line of business. Containment buildings or livestock sheds are mainly used for pigs and poultry.
Outbuildings for most ranches will include a barn. It’s important to have a separate building to house your hay as it has the potential to combust spontaneously and you don’t want it near your livestock. Inside the barn, you should have a grain room or area for supplemental feeding.
It is important to have a large equipment building to store machinery, tools and agricultural vehicles such as tractors and their accessories. These could include blades, harrows, hole diggers, lawn mowers and tillers. Ride-on mowers, weed eaters and smaller equipment should also have somewhere to store during harsh weather. In cold climate regions, the batteries should be removed and the equipment winterized and stored in a protected environment. Tractors that are used during these winter months need access to plug-in heaters.
A fuel storage shed is also recommended as one of your farm buildings to house any fuels. Other farm buildings include ranches which are often enclosed or covered for protection from the sun and bad weather. Many old farms include a well house. Horse farms often have an indoor arena for training and working with horses or during times when outdoor riding is not appropriate. Three-sided runs in shelters are often placed in pastures for protection from the sun and bad weather.
Farming still requires a building for equipment, machinery and vehicles. For these operations, one of the most important farm buildings is a grain storage silo to house your crop, such as corn, oats, soybeans or wheat. If you have an on-site silo for storing your crop, you can hold your crop until the market can offer the best price. It also allows for a faster harvest, as there is no need to stop and take produce to a public granary.
For the cultivation of the vineyard, a place for processing grapes is needed. Then, of course, a cellar is a must. Fruit farms will also need a suitable area for storage.
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