There are plenty of reasons why you may choose to create a farm. Whether you’re hoping to provide yourself with a steady and consistent food supply, you’re just looking for a pastime or contributing to society. Regardless of your reason, you’re sure to want success. The best chance of a fulfilling farm adventure expands from the tools you have in your arsenal and the practical structures you have on your farm.
This article will cover all the bases of motivation and tell you about a few things you should have on your farm to help you achieve your goals.
First things first
Before you start purchasing or building anything, you should have your goals clearly defined. Wish to host livestock? Raise a colony of bees? Or are you hoping to grow a dozen apple trees and harvest hundreds of strawberries? The things you will need on your farm will depend on your answers to these questions. Understanding your capabilities and realising that you may fall out of motivation for some types of farming is okay. But it is helpful to ensure that you fully consider your choices before you install equipment.
A rainwater water tank
Rainwater storage tanks are a fantastic money-efficient addition to any farm, as they will collect potable rainwater for you and your livestock. There are many different tank capacities available on the market, so whether you only need a small tank, or something larger, you’re sure to find something that will work for you. It is recommended that you also install GRP Lining in your tank, as they are incredibly versatile and durable, making them excellent coatings for a variety of surfaces.
So, what do you need?
Some things are absolutely essential to have when it comes to any farm. The first of which is a farmhouse.
- Farmhouses
Some more well-established farms have multiple farmhouses. These usually reside close to the road so passers-by can see that your farm exists without having to walk through fields to find it. If you’re hoping to profit from the fruits of your labour, your farmhouse can be your shop or foyer. By building a farmhouse close to the road, you will ensure that your farm is seen and will raise the intrigue of the public.
- A barn
A barn is the second most useful structure on your farm. They are extremely versatile and can be used for anything from livestock housing to storing the harvest. The main focus of your farm is likely to be the primary use of your barn. So, if you exclusively grow crops, one of the best places to store your harvest will be in the barn. You can purchase large storage boxes to ensure that your precious foodstuffs won’t be exposed to elements that may cause them to rot. Your barn should be cool and dry to ensure the best storage conditions.
Similarly, if you raise livestock on your farm, your barn could be your livestock housing. Dairy farms often use barns to house cattle, with separate milking areas. Alternatively, you could raise your livestock in metal buildings.
- Metal buildings
Having bespoke metal buildings on your farm will be an invaluable decision. Metal buildings are made of steel because of their corrosion resistance and durability, which makes them a great choice for structures that need to stand the test of time. Agricultural buildings made of steel include purposes such as livestock housing, hay barns, workshop buildings, and cattle buildings to name a few. Steel buildings can be useful for various applications and are often used on farms because they can be installed and constructed quickly.
- Livestock housing appropriate for the animal and purpose
There is no sense in purchasing an equestrian building if you only intend to raise chickens for eggs. Similarly, there is no sense in purchasing a layer barn if you’re raising chickens for consumption. Understanding the expectations you have of the livestock you raise is important in determining what type of livestock housing you need. Additionally, realising how much space each type of livestock needs and whether you intend to have them free-range, is also important in narrowing your housing options.
Although on-farm welfare isn’t law, you could be prosecuted if you are found to be causing unnecessary suffering to livestock by not providing them with the space they need.
Once you determine how much space you need, you can ensure that the space is of the utmost quality. Your livestock housing should protect from the elements, as well as protect the surrounding areas. All livestock should have access to warmth, room, and shelter. So you should ensure that the structures you purchase and build are up-to-standard.
- Cold storage
Cold storage facilities will ensure that your crops stay fresh and keep for as long as possible. Although barns can store crops, this generally applies to hay and grain. Not foods for human consumption if you plan to sell your harvest. Cold storage is used for fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meat to ensure your harvest doesn’t rot. When starting a farm to sell crops to the public, you should consider cold storage immediately so as not to waste your precious stock.
We hope you have discovered something on this list that you may not have thought of or learned something you didn’t know previously. Farming can be a difficult process, but seeing the fruits of your labour as a result of the time and effort you have invested on your farm makes everything worth it.
