Dan Nyberg, sales trainer for Morton Buildings, says these challenges — a result of supply chain issues coupled with strong building demand — make caring for farm building infrastructure more important than ever.  

The start of a new year, he says, is a good time to evaluate if any buildings need to be added, remodeled or replaced. Nyberg notes that some inadequate structures should be demolished, especially if there are drawbacks to their existing location. In some cases, older structures may be too small to meet the needs of a growing operation and therefore are no longer efficient due to the building size or height of doors.

“Expanding a door opening is one option. Adding height is usually very expensive. And if a structure is not tall enough, it probably has too small of a footprint to work well,” he says. “Some older buildings may well be depreciated, so consult with your tax adviser about the implications for investing in rebuilds.”

Nyberg says if planning new construction, like a farm shop, it’s important to factor in new equipment that may be planned now or in the near future to make sure adequate space is provided. “Consider what changes will be coming in your equipment in the next five years,” he advises.

Proper housing for equipment offers two benefits, he says. First are fewer breakdowns in the field with equipment that has not been exposed to the impact of weather. Second is significantly better trade value when the time comes to upgrade.

“This is not only a question of square footage but also other factors that impact the overall efficiency of the building — such as door height and width, interior layout and energy efficiency,” Nyberg says.

Finally, he recommends planning for possible changes in your farm’s personnel, such as bringing a younger family member into the operation. “Consider the plans they may have. Also, many operations are looking for additional revenue sources to support more personnel. And make sure you are considering the necessary infrastructure to support that.”

Nyberg says a successful infrastructure strategy means evaluating what has worked and what hasn’t and then giving thought to how to best address your building needs.

Morton Buildings, the industry leader in post-frame construction, has over 70 years of experience designing and constructing farm buildings of all types. The company focuses on providing superior, overall building strength through all conditions and innovative building methods to increase farm efficiency and productivity. To learn more, visit MortonBuildings.com.