Hay Sheds To Keep Your Produce Dry And Protected.

Hay sheds are essential buildings for farmers and livestock owners who rely on hay to feed their animals. These farm sheds protect hay bales from the elements and prevent them from deteriorating due to exposure to moisture, heat, and other external factors.

But why are hay sheds important?

Hay is a vital source of nutrition for livestock, especially during the winter months when fresh pasture is not available. However, storing hay outdoors without protection can lead to spoilage, which can cause health problems for the animals. Spoiled hay or hay that is not stored correctly, can also be a fire hazard.

Hay sheds provide the perfect agricultural farm storage environment for storing hay bales, which helps to preserve their quality and nutritional content. By protecting hay from moisture and other environmental factors, hay sheds ensure that farmers and livestock owners have a reliable source of feed for their animals when they need it.

Firstly, and possibly most important is that the three-sided farm shed should be designed to protect hay from moisture. This means that the shed should have a roof that is pitched to allow rainwater to run off and away from the hay storage area. Additionally, the shed should be built on a site that is well-drained to prevent water from pooling in heavy rain.

Secondly, the shed should provide adequate ventilation. Ventilation is important to prevent the buildup of moisture and heat inside the shed, which can cause hay to deteriorate. This can be provided through vents or windows.

Thirdly, the shed should be designed to allow for easy access for loading and unloading hay. This means that the shed should be tall enough to accommodate the height of a loaded hay trailer and wide enough to allow for easy moving of equipment.

Traditionally, there have been many types of hay sheds in use, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, but the two main styles of sheds used today are steel sheds and open-sided sheds.

1. Steel Buildings: Pre-engineered buildings that are made with steel frames and rafters can be customised to meet specific requirements. Steel sheds are durable and require minimal maintenance. They come with a long warranty and are made with Australian Steel.
2. Open-sided sheds: These are simple structures that provide protection from the sun and rain but are open on one or more sides. Open-sided sheds are easy to construct and provide good ventilation, but may not provide as much protection from the elements as other types of hay sheds.

At True Blue Sheds, we have a range of open front and fully enclosed agricultural sheds that you can modify and customise to protect your livestock feed.

When designing an open-sided hay shed, there are several important factors to consider.

Firstly, as previously mentioned, the shed should be located on a level site that is well-drained to prevent water from pooling around the base of the shed. The site should also be situated away from trees or other structures that could potentially damage the shed or pose a safety hazard.

Secondly, the shed should be designed to protect hay from the sun and rain. This means that the roof should be pitched to allow rainwater to run off and away from the hay bales. Additionally, the roof should be made of a durable material that can withstand exposure to the elements. You should also allow for enough space to store your hay away from the entry of the shed.

Finally, the shed should be constructed using sturdy materials that can withstand wind and other weather conditions.

Maintaining an open-sided hay shed is fairly straight forward. One of the most important maintenance tasks is to keep the area around the shed free of debris, such as fallen branches or leaves, which can clog the ventilation openings and prevent air from circulating freely. If you’ve had a storm or high winds, it is always best to do a regular walk around to ensure there is nothing that can damage the shed.

It’s also essential to inspect the shed regularly for signs of damage, such as loose or missing roofing materials, or damage to the foundation. Any issues should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage to the shed or the hay stored inside.

Finally, it’s important to keep the hay bales dry and free from moisture. This can be achieved by stacking the bales on pallets or other raised platforms to keep them off the ground and covering the bales with a tarp or other waterproof material if necessary. Adding a mezzanine floor to your hay shed can assist with keeping your hay bales free from moisture.

Open-sided sheds are a cost-effective and practical solution for protecting hay bales from the elements while still allowing for ample ventilation. When designing an open-sided hay shed, it’s important to consider factors such as location, roofing materials, and construction materials to ensure that the shed is sturdy and durable. Regular maintenance is also essential for keeping the shed in good condition and preventing damage to the hay bales stored inside.

One of the primary benefits of an open-sided shed is their affordability. These structures are often simpler and less expensive to construct than fully enclosed hay sheds, which makes them an attractive option for farmers and livestock owners who are on a tight budget.

Another benefit of open-sided hay sheds is their ventilation. Because these sheds have one or more sides open, air can circulate freely through the structure, which helps to prevent moisture build-up and reduce the risk of mould or mildew.

Finally, open-sided custom sheds are easy to access and load. Because they have a large open side, it is easier to load and unload your animal feed.

We’re proud of our reputation for excellence at True Blue Sheds. We’re even more proud to have earned ShedSafe® accreditation for our products. This means we’ve been recognised as providing sheds made from high-quality materials that are built to last. Plus, our designs are compliant with all Australian building codes. When safety matters, choose a ShedSafe® accredited company like us.

Contact us today to have a chat about your custom design hay storage shed. If you’re ready to get a quote, our friendly team will be happy to help!