The right barn can make all the difference when it comes to storing hay. It is an important investment to protect the quality of your produce. However, it is a longer process than just deciding and investing because your investment also requires proper planning. With a metal hay barn, there are a lot of factors to consider, such as ventilation, size, climate, site preparation, and more. 

Hay bales are essential for farm operations, whether they are used to feed animals, for bedding purposes, or to smother weeds. Protecting them is essential for their longevity. 

So, do you know what metal hay barns are and how to use them best? Let’s dive in. 

What are metal hay barns used for? 

Metal hay barns are structures designed for the storage and protection of hay bales. Unlike traditional or wooden barns, they are built to minimize exposure to moisture, reduce the risk of spontaneous combustion in hay, and enhance the airflow to prevent any mold growth. These barns are also often used to store equipment and tools. 

Usually designed with clear-span frameworks, a steel hay barn has ample interior space without columns or posts, allowing for easy stacking and organization of bales.

Having an enclosed space with two lean-tos, a hay barn building is often designed with reinforced sidewalls to ensure they can be capable of handling the volume and weight of large hay bale stacks. Typically, it features large, strategically placed doors for hassle-free loading and unloading. 

It is because of their durable, pest-resistant, fire-resistant, and low-maintenance qualities that metal hay barns are an integral part of carrying out operations as they preserve the hay’s quality for long periods of time for efficient livestock feeding and even resale markets.

What are the major considerations to make when building a hay barn?

It is important to ensure enhancing the life of your hay by protecting it from environmental factors and distortion. Hence, designing a hay barn building fitting your needs is highly essential because what if it is too small or doesn’t have adequate storage space? It is advisable to consider the following factors:

• Size

To determine the right size of hay barn required by you, it is necessary to consider your hay storage needs. Do you wish to keep 1000 hay bales, 2500, or 4500? Are you storing square bales or round bales?

The standard size of a metal hay barn, which can store up to 500 round bales or 2000 square bales, is 30 to 40 feet wide, 60 to 80 feet long, and 14 to 16 feet high. However, larger barns can be up to 100 feet wide at any length. 

Generally, it is essential to remember that square bales generally require 10 to 15 square feet of area for every ton of hay. Whereas, round bales usually require 16 to 24 square feet of area for every ton of hay. You should at least keep a 2-foot buffer between the haystack and the wall and a 2-foot height buffer.

• Price

It is vital to budget your purchase before investing in a hay barn building. Other than the initial cost, you should also consider long-term maintenance and other costs. With metal hay barns, their longevity makes them a highly cost-effective option. 

The cost of a standard metal hay barn generally ranges from $15 to $30 per square foot. For a small 30×40-foot steel hay barn, the cost ranges between $18,000 and $36,000. In the case of a large 40×60-foot metal barn, the cost is between $36,000 and $72,000. However, the price is dynamic and depends on customization options. When budgeting, you should consider the customizations you need and decide. 

• Doors and Windows

Hay bales often require large doors for easy loading and unloading, as well as to accommodate large equipment. For smaller barns, typically 10 to 15 feet wide, roll-up doors are preferred for better ground clearance and minimal space wastage. However, for larger barns, the doors should be at least 14 feet high to allow trucks and loaders to move easily. In such cases, sliding doors are preferred as they reduce space obstruction. 

It is ideal to install multiple doors for streamlined hay storage and reduce the distance to move bales. While windows are not preferred in hay barns, you can install louvered windows or UV-resistant translucent panels to let in natural light and improve ventilation while preventing rain or moisture from entering and maintaining the airflow.

• Flooring

You need to choose the right flooring to reduce the breakdown of hay bales. One of the most challenging factors in hay storage is condensation on the floor. Concrete and pallet floors are common but cannot overcome condensation issues and have logistical problems. A properly installed elevated gravel pad might be the ideal solution to improve bale quality. Slopes should also be installed to drain water away from the barn.

• Permits

Depending on the barn’s size and location, there are several regulations you would need to follow along with attaining various permits. A building permit and zoning permit are essential for the smooth construction of the barn. Some areas also require a site plan approval. Moreover, agricultural buildings are often subject to some exemptions, which might make it easier for you to build a steel hay barn. 

• Roof

Boxed-eave and regular roofs are often advisable for smaller structures. While boxed-eave roofs can sustain moderate climate conditions, regular roofs are only ideal for normal weather. In the case of larger barns or adverse weather conditions, it is ideal to use vertical roofs. These are stronger and low-maintenance. Their vertical panels also easily allow debris and snow to fall off, leading to reduced moisture and minimal distortion of the metal hay barn roof. 

• Site Prep

It is vital to properly inspect your site to ensure the prefab barn structure is not being built in a low-lying or wet area. The barn should be accessible in all weather conditions and have ample space around it for heavy equipment like trucks and tractors. You should also see if there is enough space for expansion in the future. Moreover, a metal hay barn’s posts should be 4 feet into the ground with concrete anchors for ensured safety so the structure does not require frequent repairs in diverse climates. 

Having considered all of these essential factors, you are now ready to invest in a prefabricated hay barn building. So, find a steel hay barn dealer near you today to build a strong and durable structure.