Farmers know that a well-designed farm shop is essential to the success of their operation. Having an efficient building takes the right planning and design.
Following are recommendations from Dennis Lee, farm product line manager for Morton Buildings, which has decades of experience working with farmers to design and construct farm shops across the country.
Location
- The location in relation to the rest of the farm operation is key. Select a convenient, central location, which allows easy access with equipment, trailers, and deliveries. The site should also allow you to keep an eye on other farm functions, such as being able to see the grain leg and trucks arriving and leaving.
- The building orientation can work to your benefit. Position larger doors on the south or east side to avoid the sometimes blustery cold winds from the north and west.
- In nearly all cases, a farm shop needs hot and cold running water, particularly when planning for a bathroom or shower, so access to water lines must be factored in when considering the shop’s location.
- Some minor repairs can easily be done outside, if there is planned space for that.
Farm shop size
- Measure all of your equipment so you can plan based on reality, not memory.
- Keep in mind you can add length to a building at a later date. Adding width or height is typically not feasible.
- Plan for growth. Remember that machinery is constantly getting larger, so plan to make your shop large enough for equipment five to 10 years from now.
- Make a list and plan for specific workstations, including:
- The workbench, welding and grinding area, wash bay and perhaps a vehicle lift or service pit.
- Storage for tools, parts and consumables, like oil and filters.
- Office area, taking into account the number of computers and a conference room.
- The workbench, welding and grinding area, wash bay and perhaps a vehicle lift or service pit.
- Also consider if you will want a restroom, kitchen and washer/dryer area.
Non-shop uses
- Today’s shops often include various amenities, such as a recreation area and even living quarters for guests.
- Some farm families have chosen to create space for family gatherings and other special events that no longer fit into the house.
- Since most shops have high ceilings, many have a basketball hoop with a backboard for those cold winter days.
- Also give special thought to interests the next generation may have and how space can be allocated for those needs.
Budget
- First, develop your list of what you need to have in terms of the overall length, width, height and doors. Then develop your budget.
- If there are budget restrictions, consider building the shop in phases so that you have a facility that works in five to 10 years. In the long run, it’s best to phase construction instead of completing a smaller shop that fits this year’s budget but doesn’t meet future needs.
A well-planned and well-constructed shop should serve your farm operation for decades to come. Save now through February on select new buildings during Morton’s Building Value Days event. Certain restrictions may apply.
