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Free stall barns are the ideal dairy facility for use with beef cattle since the manure handling is already set-up. Conventional tie stalls that are used on New England dairy farms with a gutter are not recommended.
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Manure removal is a major piece of the renovation plan. Lighting and ventilation are usually adequate in former dairy facilities for use by beef cattle. The renovation costs are usually less than the cost of a new structure. Today there are many unused dairy barns due to dairy farmers either retiring or dispersing. This type of housing is more practical for smaller sized herds (under 20 head of cattle). The back end of the structure may be dark and damp and may need additional design attention for ventilation and lighting. When the gable end is open, the bays areas are usually deeper and provide more protection from the wind. The gable end of the barn is recommended to be open so that the discharge of rain and snow is not over the open side of the building. The clear span provides more space for equipment to remove manure and thus any side of the building can be open to the environment. Pole barns of this design can be partitioned for groups of animals without complicated interior construction.
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Open sheds should face the south for winter sun and block the prevailing winds. This is the least expensive of new structures and very easy to build. This type of housing is most typical of structures used and is suitable for all cattle on the farm. Some Recommended Structures for Beef Cattle Housing Open sided, single slope roof shed Check with your county Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS) office for recommended guidelines. It is important to choose a location for buildings and handling facilities that is on well-drained soil with properly designed surface water drainage situated away from streams, other bodies of water and is not close to population centers. You should also talk to an experienced builder or contractor to ensure the cost of the facility is within the objectives of the operation. Check with your local Building Inspector to obtain the required permits prior to building or renovating your existing facility. It is important to know all the rules and regulations with respect to location, design, and type of operation. Several different designs for housing and handling facilities are suitable for beef operations taking into consideration the weather, topography, and the availability of feed and pasture. Each type of facility must be designed accordingly. Feeder cattle facilities require more confinement pens, more automation of feeding systems and less need for roofed shelters. Cow/calf enterprises usually require less financial investment in facilities than feeder operations. In New England, beef enterprises are cow/calf, feeder, or a combination of both.