4 Top Factors that Will Help You Choose the Right Hay Shed

Every Australian farmer knows how essential it is to have the perfect storage for your grain and hay supplies. Quality storage ensures your feed and grain produce is always fresh and dry. Depending on the size of your farm, you may need more than one storage facility.

Choosing the perfect hay sheds for your storage needs is all about selecting quality materials made for the Australian climate. It’s also a good idea to choose an option with enough customisable features that allow for future upgrades.

Quick Planning is the Trick

Planning your first hay shed doesn’t have to be a complex, long, drawn-out process. The simplest process involves opting for a pre-made Australian steel shed that can be assembled on your farm in a matter of hours. We’ve compiled a list of the top factors to keep in mind when you’re shortlisting potential options.

1.     Choose a Functional Size and Style

You can build or buy a hay shed in any shape and size that you need. That means you should start by assessing the space you have available and what you’re going to use the shed for. Rectangular and square sheds are the most functional and make it possible to use the shed for other purposes when you don’t have hay or grain to store.

While pre-fabricated sheds are a cost-effective option, custom-built sheds are ideal for larger or odd-shaped spaces. This is especially the case if you want to squeeze your shed into an available space between buildings.

Custom sheds can also be upgraded as your storage needs change. This can easily be done by adding panels on the sides to increase the size. You will also be able to increase the height of the roof, which will enable you to use the space for machinery.

2.     Consider Various Locations

Where you place your shed should be based on two key factors, namely: Where is the most convenient for your farm operations, and which direction will give you the least wind and storms to contend with? For farms in South Australia, installers will always recommend placing the shed facing an easterly direction.

This is because harsh winds usually originate in the southwest, and you don’t want the front of your shed facing into the wind, especially if it’s an open-sided structure. No matter which direction you place your shed, it’s always recommended that you opt for Australian-made steel that has been designed to withstand category 2 wind storms.

In areas prone to high winds and rainstorms, you can also enhance the efficiency of your shed by adding features such as ventilation (windows) and insulation. Adding doors rather than leaving one side open will also go a long way toward keeping your hay or grains dry.

3.     Review the Access Points

No matter what you’re going to store in your shed, you will need proper access points to load and unload hay, grain, or any other products you’re going to store there. Machinery will need adequate space in front of the shed to drive in or out. In this instance, it may be a good idea to add concrete flooring as one of your customisable add-on features.

This will make it easier for vans, trucks, utility vehicles, and tractors to drive and park in front of the shed without sinking into the ground. Reputable shed companies offer a wide range of features that you can add to make your shed an efficient storage solution. 

4.     Don’t Forget the Drainage

Farmers located in the high-rainfall areas will know how essential it is to have an effective roof and drainage system on their sheds. This is especially the case if you’re storing products such as hay, grain, or other products that can spoil if they get wet.

With this in mind, it’s a good idea to invest in a skillion roof for your shed. Essentially, this is a type of roof that has a single, sloping surface with a steeper pitch than a regular roof. This will ensure that rainwater doesn’t pool on the roof, where it can leak into the shed.

If you have an existing rainwater harvesting system, adding a robust drainage system will make it easy to connect your shed to one of your water storage tanks. Not only will this guide water off the roof, but it will also make your rainwater system more efficient.

If you also have solar panels on your farm, you’ll be happy to learn that your shed roof can easily be used to install additional panels. There’s no reason why your shed can’t be a functioning part of your various renewable energy systems.

Final Thoughts

Hay sheds are an effective way to keep your animal feed or stock supplies dry and safe. The trick to creating an effective storage space is to opt for quality materials and proper planning. Compare the benefits of choosing a pre-made kit versus designing your customisable solution. Opt for an option that allows upgrades and multiple use. Once your shed is installed, you’ll wonder how you managed without it!