The Different Types of Agricultural Buildings and Their Uses

Agricultural buildings are a core part of any working farm or smallholding. They protect livestock, store crops and feed, house machinery and keep farm operations running all year round. The right building can save you time, reduce losses and make daily work much easier. 

This guide walks through the different types of farm and agricultural buildings, what each one is used for and what makes a good one.

Animal Housing: Livestock Buildings

A livestock building is a general term for any structure used to house farm animals. This covers a wide range of animals and uses, so these buildings need to be safe and well-ventilated.

Good livestock housing keeps animals protected during cold and wet weather, reduces the spread of disease and makes it easier to manage feeding and daily checks. The building also needs to work for the people using it, with enough space and practical access points.

Key things a good livestock building needs:

• Good natural ventilation to keep air fresh and reduce respiratory problems
• Enough space per animal to meet welfare standards
• Easy access for feeding, bedding, and cleaning
• Solid, durable construction that stands up to daily use
• The option to be divided into separate pens or sections

Learn more about our livestock buildings.

Beef & Dairy: Cattle Buildings

Cattle buildings are purpose-designed for beef and dairy herds. They are typically larger than other livestock structures because cattle need more space to move, feed and rest comfortably.

A well-built cattle building protects animals during winter housing periods, helps prevent illness, and makes it much simpler to carry out tasks like calving, feeding and health checks. This type of agricultural building also plays a big role in the comfort of the herd, which directly affects milk yield and weight gain.

• Wide span frames to give open, unobstructed floor space
• High eaves to allow for good airflow and reduce heat stress
• Feed passages and separate calving pens can be built in
• Slurry management and drainage considered at the design stage

Did you know? Housing cattle comfortably in winter can have a real impact on productivity. Read our blog on how steel cattle buildings improve herd comfort for more detail on what makes a difference.

Learn more about our cattle buildings.

Feed Storage: Hay Barns

Hay barns are a type of agricultural building used to store hay, straw and silage bales. Keeping forage in good condition is essential because spoilt hay is costly to replace and can cause health problems in animals. The right barn makes a big difference to how much of your crop you actually get to use.

Rain, damp ground and poor airflow are the three main causes of hay spoilage. A solid hay barn tackles all three by keeping moisture out and allowing air to circulate around the bales. This means less waste and a better return on the crop you have already invested time and money into producing.

• Open-sided or part-open designs allow air to move through freely
• Raised floors or concrete bases keep bales off damp ground
• Wide access for tractors and telehandlers loading and unloading
• Can be sized to hold a full season’s worth of bales

Find out more about protecting your crop in our article on how a steel barn can reduce hay spoilage and waste.

Learn more about our hay barns.

Crop Storage: Grain Sheds

A grain shed is different from a hay barn, as it stores harvested cereals such as wheat and barley. Getting grain into secure, dry storage quickly after harvest is important for maintaining quality and market value. Grain that is left exposed to moisture or pests can deteriorate quickly.

Grain sheds are a type of agricultural building that are designed to keep grain dry and allow ventilation to prevent heat build-up. Temperature and moisture control are the two biggest priorities.

• Large, clear-span interiors for maximum storage capacity
• Robust wall panels to support the weight and pressure of stored grain
• Good-sized access doors for large vehicles and machinery
• Ventilation options to help maintain grain condition

Want to know more? Our article on what makes a good grain shed covers the key design and specification points in detail.

Learn more about our grain sheds.

Bird Housing: Poultry Buildings

Poultry structures are a type of agricultural building that house chickens, turkeys, ducks and other birds raised for meat or egg production. Poultry are sensitive animals, so the building environment has a direct effect on health and welfare.

The most important factors in a poultry building are temperature control, airflow and biosecurity. A poorly designed building leads to higher rates of disease and increased costs. A well-designed one makes the whole operation more manageable and more profitable.

• Controlled ventilation systems keep air quality high and temperature stable
• Insulated panels help maintain consistent temperatures throughout the year
• Smooth surfaces and good drainage make cleaning and disinfecting straightforward
• Can be fitted with feeding, watering and lighting systems

Interested in steel poultry buildings? Read our article on why poultry farmers choose steel buildings over traditional housing to see the advantages.

Learn more about our poultry buildings.

Growing & Processing: Horticultural Buildings

Horticultural buildings serve growers who produce fruit, vegetables, cut flowers or plants. These buildings are used for a range of purposes, including potting, propagation, cold storage, packing and processing.

Growing businesses need buildings that can do more than one job. A single structure might be used for packing produce in the morning and storing equipment in the afternoon. Flexibility and the ability to adapt the space to changing needs are important considerations.

• Open, column-free interiors that can be organised in different ways
• High doors and wide access for pallet trucks and vehicles
• Cold storage areas can be incorporated into the design
• Good lighting options including natural light through roof panels

Our article explains why steel agricultural buildings are ideal for horticultural businesses and what to think about at the planning stage.

Learn more about our horticultural buildings.

Machinery & Maintenance: Farm Workshop Buildings

A farm workshop is one of the most practical types of agricultural buildings on any farm. It gives you a secure and dry space to carry out repairs and maintenance on tractors, combines and other machinery. Keeping equipment in good working order is essential, and having the right space to do that work properly is essential.

Modern farm machinery is large and expensive. A workshop building needs to be big enough to get vehicles inside easily, with enough height to work comfortably around them. It also needs to be practical, with good lighting and the ability to fit out with workbenches, storage racking and power supplies.

• High eaves and large roller doors to accommodate modern farm vehicles
• Wide, unobstructed floor space for moving machinery around
• Can include inspection pits, power points and LED lighting
• Secure construction to protect valuable tools and equipment overnight
• Can double as a general storage building when not used for maintenance

Learn more about our workshop buildings.

Why Most Agricultural Buildings Are Steel Framed

Steel has become the material of choice for different types of farm buildings in the UK. Steel frame buildings offer wide and column-free interiors that can be adapted and extended over time. They are low maintenance, durable in all weather conditions and can be clad in a range of materials to suit the setting. 

Kit Buildings Direct manufactures all steelwork in the UK to UKCA mark standards, which means every building meets the required safety and quality benchmarks. You can read more about the full range of agricultural buildings for sale on our main agricultural buildings page, or view completed projects in our project gallery.

Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote.