Hoop Barns are Great for Cattle

Cows sheltering in the hoop barn during the snow storm

Cattle farming is a rewarding and sometimes profitable business, but it requires careful planning. To get the most out of your investment in cattle, you need to ensure that your animals are comfortable and safe. That’s why many farmers are turning to hoop barns to shelter their livestock from the elements and maximize efficiency. In this article, we’ll explain what a hoop barn is, the benefits of raising cattle in a hoop barn, and provide you with some tips for building and caring for your cattle in one.

What is a Hoop Barn?

A hoop barn is a type of livestock shelter that has grown in popularity in recent years. It is a low-cost, movable temporary structure made of a galvanized steel frame and a durable fabric cover. Hoop barns are relatively easy to construct from a kit and provide excellent protection from the elements. They are also customizable, so you can design the livestock building that works best for your needs.

Benefits of a Hoop Barn for Raising Cattle

Hoop barns offer a variety of advantages for cattle farmers. Here are a few of the most important benefits of raising cattle in a hoop barn:

Cost efficiency: Hoop barns are much more cost-effective than traditional barns. They are easier and cheaper to construct, and the fabric cover can be purchased at a fraction of the cost of traditional barns.
Protection from the elements: Hoop barns provide excellent protection from the elements. The fabric cover blocks out wind and rain, and the galvanized steel frames are strong and durable.
Improved air quality: The fabric cover of a hoop barn also helps to improve air quality inside the structure. The fabric is breathable and allows air to move freely, resulting in a healthier environment for your cattle.
Flexibility: Hoop barns are highly flexible and can be customized to fit your needs. You can choose the size, shape, and number of doors to best suit your operation.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cattle Hoop Barns

When selecting a hoop barn for your cattle, there are several factors you should consider. Here are a few of the most important ones:

Location: The location of your hoop barn is important for two reasons. First, you’ll want to make sure that it’s in an area that’s safe from predators. Second, you’ll want to make sure that it’s in an area that gets plenty of sunlight, as this will help to keep your animals warm in the winter.
Size: The size of your hoop barn will depend on the size of your operation. If you’re raising a small herd, a smaller hoop barn may be sufficient. But if you’re raising a larger herd, you’ll need to consider a larger hoop barn.
Durability: When selecting a hoop barn, you’ll want to make sure that it’s made from durable materials that can withstand the elements. The galvanized steel frames should be rust-resistant and capable of withstanding high winds. Hot dipped galvanized steel pipe frames like ours are best as they carry that corrosion resistance over to the inside of the frame pipes as well. The fabric cover should be waterproof and able to block out the sun.

Planning the Design of Your Hoop Barn

Once you’ve selected a hoop barn, you’ll need to plan the design of your structure. Your particular design will probably be different from anyone else’s just as your cattle business is. Whether you need a loafing barn, a calving barn or even just hay storage, there is a hoop shed to fit your needs. Here are a few factors to consider when designing your hoop barn:

Layout: You’ll need to decide how many areas you want in your hoop barn and how they will be arranged. You’ll also need to determine the number of doors and if you’ll need curtains to provide adequate ventilation.
Ventilation: Ventilation is important for keeping your cattle healthy and comfortable. You’ll need to make sure that your hoop barn is well-ventilated and yet free from drafts.
Lighting: You’ll also need to consider the lighting in your hoop barn. Natural lighting is best, but you may need to install artificial lighting if your area doesn’t get enough sun. Our cover fabric allows more light transmission than the standard PVC cover you will find on cheaper fabric buildings.

Caring for Cattle in Your Hoop Barn

A hoop barn can help simplify caring for your cattle. It’s much easier to clean a dry pen or alley under cover than it ever is an open lot. Being under cover will be a lot nicer for your cattle and you also when you’re out there checking on them.

Provide plenty of food and water: Make sure that your cattle have access to plenty of food and clean water at all times.
Keep the barn clean: Clean out the cattle barn regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and parasites.
Monitor for health issues: Make sure to monitor your cattle for any signs of illness or injury. If you notice anything, contact a vet immediately.

Tips for Raising Dairy Cows in a Hoop Barn

Raising dairy cows in a hoop barn requires some extra care. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Provide plenty of space: Dairy cows need plenty of space to move around. Make sure that your hoop barn is large enough to accommodate the size of your herd.
Install fans: Install fans in your hoop barn to help keep the air moving and keep the cows cool during hot weather.
Provide a comfortable bedding: Dairy cows need comfortable bedding to keep them from getting sore feet and legs. Make sure to provide them with a soft, cushioned bedding that’s designed for dairy cows.

Our Verdict

Hoop barns are an excellent option for cattle farmers looking for a cost-effective and efficient way to protect their livestock. They are easy to build and customize, and they offer a variety of benefits, including protection from the elements, improved air quality, and flexibility. With proper planning and care, you can ensure that your hoop barn will provide a safe and comfortable environment for your cattle.

Let us help you design a cattle building. With our expertise and experience, we can help you create a hoop barn that meets your needs and budget. Contact us today at 888-497-1088 to get started.