when you think the time has finally come to begin expanding your homestead, it's good to not rush right into it and make any rash decisions. In the January/February 2023 W issue, I discussed things to consider before building any outbuildings in my "Structure Support" article. In the issue, I'll take a look at individual outbuildings, from livestock barns to chicken coops.
LIVESTOCK BARNS
As your herd grows, the need for more shelter and storage tends to grow along with it. The thought of building a barn can be daunting, but drawing it out on paper can help you make proper plans and carefully think through the best ways to build and design it.
Oftentimes, people tend to focus too much on their current needs and build a barn too small without considering the future expansion of their herd or
homesteading needs. If you can pinpoint a rough plan of where you project your homestead and herd to be several years down the road, it can help you prepare in advance. The type of barn you build will be based somewhat on your personal preference. From the striking gambrel barns to more A-framed gable barns, a multitude of different styles and ways to design a barn exist.
Pole barns are an option for people that are looking to put up a structure quickly and without having to pour a full concrete foundation.
While called "pole barns," these buildings can be constructed and used for everything from a home to a shop or shed.
Lumber and required pieces can be precut at a factory and then taken to the building site for construction. Before construction begins, the ground needs to be cleared and leveled,
but then instead of needing a concrete foundation, holes are dug and poles (whether wood or metal) are set deep into the ground (3 to 4 feet) with concrete footers. Girts are then installed on the poles to allow the siding to be screwed on and construction continues from there.
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The RISE of Opportunist WEEDS
Be prepared to see increasing changes in weeds we fight, such as poison hemlock and poison ivy, and in the crops we grow.
LIVESTOCK Health
Prepare yourself for how to spot symptoms of illness in your farm animals so that you can get them help before it's too late.
CUT FLOWER Farming
If you're considering growing flowers for sale, brush up on these five key things to know before diving in.
WINTER Survival
Keep your land, animals and yourself in good shape this winter with this helpful advice.
COVERAGE CONCERNS
Avoid common insurance mistakes for rural and hobby farm businesses.
FARMER'S GUIDE Berries
Set the stage for tasty strawberries, blueberries and brambles with these soil-boosting garden tips.
Preconditioning CALVES
Follow our step-by-step guide to get more money for your calves.
Soil Conservation
Often, outside of having a specific problem that needs to be addressed, soil conservation isn't something every farmer readily thinks about. Yet conserving the soil should be at or near the top of every farmer owner or manager's list of concerns because absent the prevention of soil erosion, we have the opportunity for another dust bowl.
Year-Round Lettuce & Salad Mixes
It's easy to think of salad greens as just a spring- or fall-garden crop, but it's possible to enjoy freshly harvested lettuces, mustards and more from your own garden year-round.
Barn Improvements
Days are never long enough for a farmer. From dawn to well into the night, tasks arise that often require immediate action. Having to search for tools or equipment is an enormous time waster and incredibly frustrating when you can't find what you need, especially when you know you have it.
