Commercial farms need high-quality structures on the property to store equipment, animals, crops, harvests, feed, and more. When agricultural buildings are of lower quality, they can devastate commercial farm harvests. Crop yields can be ruined or tainted, livestock can be vulnerable, and repairs can eat away profits. When building or replacing agricultural structures, you must know the best, most cost-effective materials for farming success.

Metal

Metal is one of the best building materials, especially for agriculture. It is remarkably fire-resistant, which is useful when storing grains, hay, or other types of animal feed. Metal is less prone to damage and wear and tear than wood. Buildings with steel trusses provide extra structural support, leading to less weather damage. Metal is a sustainable and natural material, recyclable and reusable. Metal is not vulnerable to insects, which can be expected in agricultural structures due to the presence of food or animals.

Unlike wood, metal won’t rot, though untreated, it can be susceptible to rust or corrosion. Still, metal repair can be significantly cheaper than repairs to wood structures. On the downside, metal can be more expensive than wood or other materials due to its high quality, and constructing metal buildings can take longer than traditional pole barns or other simpler structures.

Wood

Wood is a staple material in the agricultural industry. It is one of the most cost-effective building materials and a considerable asset for commercial agriculture, as many structures are needed per farm. Wood insulates well, which protects livestock and crop yields. It’s a natural and eco-friendly resource and can be grown on farm property if desired. Wood is easily repaired or replaced when necessary, which is helpful when the material breaks down.

Wood does break down due to many factors. Wood is not as fire-resistant as most materials, especially in drier climates; this is a significant concern for farmers, as grains, crop harvests, or feed can also be highly flammable. Wood does not do as well in wet weather, either; over time, wood can be prone to rot, warping, mold, and weakening, mainly when extreme temperatures are a factor. However, wood can be paired with metal or steel for improved structural integrity without the cost of an entire metal building.

Brick

Brick barns and farming structures are less common than wood ones, as they are typically quite costly and take longer to construct. Brick is a very sturdy and low-maintenance material. It will not be consumed by bugs or rot. It’s an asset regarding fire safety, as it does not spread fire and is not combustible, making it an excellent material choice for dry, hot areas prone to wildfires. Brick is particularly soundproof, which is advantageous if noisy livestock is housed near residential areas. When the brick is made with eco-friendly materials like clay or shale, it is safe for the environment and highly recyclable or reusable.

Unfortunately, bricks can grow mold and crack when absorbing too much water over time. Farming structures are prone to weed and overgrowth, and brick does not handle nearby plant growth well. Its price alone, compared to other materials, deters most farmers from utilizing brick as a material for barns, sheds, or silos.

Concrete

Some farmers utilize concrete over traditional brick for their masonry-style agricultural structures. Concrete is typically made from limestone, one of the most abundant resources on Earth, making it much more cost-efficient than brick. It’s hardy, sturdy, and not as susceptible to water damage as brick. It will keep livestock and crop harvests safe in even hurricane-force winds. It can also serve as flooring, especially when sealed, saving farmers time and money. Concrete can also provide a cost-effective and solid foundation for any farm structure.

On the downside, concrete can be vulnerable to extreme cold. Installation can be tricky, as it requires an experienced mixer and installer. It needs solid reinforcement to avoid cracking and other structural issues.

Fabric

Fabric structures are becoming more popular in agriculture, particularly for greenhouses, dairy farming, and equipment storage. Fabric structures are versatile in shape and size. They provide adequate natural light, which is energy efficient and ideal for hosting plants or reducing the need for artificial light. Due to fabric’s lightweight form and cost-efficiency, it’s cheaper and much easier to construct than other materials. The portability of these structures makes it great for farmers who need to change crop location or size. When supported with steel or other metals, fabric can be very structurally sound, though not as much as other materials.

Fabric structures lack insulation or thermal protection, which is not ideal for livestock. However, you can add further thermal protection or insulation if desired. The fabric will not hold out against the elements as long as other sturdier materials, but replacement is cost-friendly.

Conclusion

There is no wrong choice when choosing materials for farm structures. Wood is a classic choice that is versatile, hardy, and cost-friendly. If you’re mainly looking for cost-efficiency, fabric structures may be more to your liking, with the sacrifice of additional weather resistance. If you don’t mind spending money, metal or brick may be the smartest choice regarding durability and insulation. Pay attention to your farm’s climate; fire-resistant materials like metal or brick may be the smart choice in dry, hot areas. Extremely cold areas will prefer wood or metal.