Alabama is known for its natural beauty, diverse economy, and cultural attractions. The ‘Yellowhammer State’ has over 8.6 million acres of farmland and over 37,000 farms. Most people in Alabama work directly or indirectly on farms, ranches, or forestry. Being one of the top cotton producers & poultry states, farmers and ranchers need a reliable solution like steel farm buildings to keep their heavy machinery, store harvests, and shelter animals.
History Of Metal Buildings In Agriculture
You can trace the use of metal structures in the agricultural sector back to a pre-industrial era when copper and bronze tools were used to improve farming efficiency. Then came the 19th and early 20th century Industrial Revolution, where steel production became inexpensive and new steel buildings started to come to life.
Post World War II, the demand for economical housing for livestock, crop storage units, and farm processing facilities rose. That brings us to today, where steel farm buildings are extensively used in farmland by both family-owned farms and large agribusinesses.
Benefits Of Metal Structure For Farmers In Alabama
1. Durability & Longevity
Steel structures are robust, can bear more load, and are resistant to pests, rust, fire, and rot & decay. Once installed correctly, it can last for decades with little maintenance. This makes steel barn buildings a worthwhile long-term investment.
Cleaning and upkeep with metal livestock barns or storage units is also easy. It can be done using a pressure washer [at lowest setting], warm water, and mild soap. There are many metal building dealers who offer engineer-certified steel buildings that can meet and exceed stringent local building codes.
2. Cost Effectiveness Of Metal Barn
Prefab steel structures are mass-produced in a factory, which makes it economical. Being lightweight, steel frames, posts, and panels are easy to ship and maneuver at the installation site. Since most of the drilling and cutting work is already done, the construction process takes less time and requires less labor.
It is a cost-effective solution in the long run compared to traditional agricultural buildings. For example, a 50 ft. wide, 62 ft. long, and 12 ft. high metal Carolina barn price starts at $39283, which includes a 30 x 41 central unit, 10 x 41 side lean-tos, 8 x 21 front lean-to, 12 windows, wainscoting, vertical roof with double bubble insulation & colored screws.
3. Energy-Efficient Design Suitable For Alabama Summers
Alabama has a humid subtropical climate, with summers being long and hot. To prevent moisture from entering metal barns, farmers can add affordable insulation that will reduce condensation and keep moisture, molds & mildew at bay. Many effective insulators, like woven R17, double bubble, fiberglass, etc., help reduce the heat flow to and from the building.
Not only that, ranchers can select raised central aisle metal barns to shelter their cattle and poultry. These barns have raised centers that let warm & moist air move out and bring cooler air inside. It reduces the foul smell and chances of pathogen growth. Livestock remain healthy and comfortable inside.
The wider aisle space also lets workers feed animals and clean the interior easily. Animals don’t have to compete for food, which leads to better socialization and increases production.
4. Protection Against Alabama Extreme Weather
- Tornados: Farmers can prevent their barns from getting airborne in violent tornadoes with certified steel barns that can withstand wind speeds up to 180 miles an hour.
- Thunderstorms: Ranchers can avoid repairing and replacing panels and frames since structural steels are non-porous & inorganic materials that do not absorb water or moisture, which can lead to rotting, twisting, bending, and warping in wood.
- Hurricanes: The southern areas of Alabama are subjected to hurricanes. Farmers can add extra anchors and braces to secure a metal barn to the ground. A vertical roof is recommended as its aerodynamical design can reduce wind draft, preventing major damage.
5. Versatile Design That Suits Farmers’ Needs
Farmers and ranchers in Alabama can use a metal farm barn for various purposes. Here are some common uses of metal building in the agricultural sector of Alabama:
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Customization For Steel Farm Buildings In Alabama
1. Wide Aisle Space For Poultry
Chicken likes to move around and access food and water multiple times a day. Wide aisle metal farm buildings are ideal for improving airflow, giving better access to feeders and waterers, and reducing the chances of injuries by other birds. It also creates a comfortable space for workers as they can move around, clean, and inspect chickens without stressing the birds.
2. Metal Storage Unit For Cotton, Peanuts, & Hay
To ensure the quality of cotton, farmers can choose fully insulated metal barns to store the cotton harvest. Being fire-resistant, the metal structure will keep cotton dry and add a layer of safety for large quantities. One can choose high ceilings for an effective layout.
Similarly, peanuts and hay bales need to protect against moisture, mold, mildew, spoilage, and pest infestation. Large size steel structures make it easy to access bags of peanuts, organize them properly, and move large hay bales easily.
3. Large Barns For Cattle
One can opt for an open-style Carolina metal barn with a higher central aisle for feeding, cleaning, and easy flow and two side lean-tos for creating individual space for cows to sit and relax. You can choose an insulated roof to keep heat and harsh sun rays away.
4. Greenhouse
Another great way Alabama farmers can use Seneca steel barn is by removing some of the metal panels and replacing them with polycarbonate panels to control the amount of heat and light inside. Alabama has been using greenhouses to grow crops, from vegetables and bedding plants to cut flowers and high-yield crops year-round.
Rodents can’t chew through metal panels to enter; metal does not rot & decay with the season, nor will metal deform in shape with time. It is an excellent building material for greenhouses and garden centers.
5. Setting Up Processing Unit For Farm Products
Farmers can set up factory units on their property using commercial steel buildings to process crops, packaging, and sell them. They can also organize workshops or start farm-to-table restaurants during weekends.
Impact Of Metal Farm Buildings Use In Alabama Agriculture
- Increase Productivity
- Enhanced Animal Comfort
- Protection of Crops & Equipment
- Reducing Maintenance Cost
- Giving Early Access to Barn Building
- Easy & Fast Installation
Environmental Benefits For the Alabama Agricultural Sector
Production of steel buildings does not require the destruction of large Alabama forests that are home to many species and cutting multiple trees that store carbon. Structural steel is 100% recyclable and 98% recycled every year. Once produced, it can be reused endlessly without losing its endurance.
Future Trends & Innovations In Metal Farm Barns
We can expect more innovation in metal building designs with smart technology integration to increase the efficiency of the farm. Farmers can automate climate control, install remote monitoring systems, and install renewable energy sources to decrease energy bills.
Strength In Every Building: Viking Steel Structures
Metal buildings are revolutionizing Alabama’s agriculture sector. These structures provide farmers and ranchers with reliable, durable, and cost-effective solutions for their farm operations, such as storing crops, hay & feed, sheltering livestock, and protecting farm vehicles. From the vast range of benefits to increased storage capacity, improved ventilation, and superior protection against harsh weather, metal farm barns have proven a worthwhile investment. So, what are your thoughts on it?
