Cows sheltering in the hoop barn during the snow storm

Fabric Hoop Buildings are Great for Cattle Barns

Cattle farming is a rewarding and sometimes profitable business, but it requires careful planning. To get the most out of your investment in cattle, ensure your animals are comfortable and safe. That’s why many farmers are turning to hoop barns for cows to shelter them from the elements and maximize feed efficiency.

Fabric hoop barns are an economical and sustainable livestock housing solution. If you’re in the northern part of the United States, many find it’s great to have a hoop calving barn that you can also use as a machinery shed or for other ranch building purposes.

There are many different kinds of beef cattle barns. We hear from folks who just need a cattle shelter for calving season and maybe a little equipment. We also hear from businesses that need a 5,000-head hoop confinement structure. We know not all beef barns are the same, and we can help you with livestock barn plans to fit your needs, whatever they are.

On this page, we go into a lot of explanations that you may not need (what a hoop barn is, the benefits of a hoop barn cattle shed, blah, blah). For that reason, here’s a jump menu.

  1. What is a hoop barn?
  2. Benefits of fabric buildings for raising cattle
  3. Things to consider when choosing beef hoop barns
  4. Planning the design of your fabric cattle barn
  5. Caring for cattle in your fabric hoop barn
  6. Tips for raising dairy cows in a hoop barn
  7. Our recommendations

What is a Hoop Barn?

A hoop barn is a type of livestock shelter that has grown in popularity in recent years. Some are low-cost, movable, temporary structures made of a galvanized steel frame and a durable fabric cover. Other fabric beef barns are huge structures anchored in acres of concrete. Most don’t need that big a barn for a cattle shelter but, if you do, we have them.

The average hoop cattle barn is relatively easy to construct from a kit and provides excellent protection from the elements for your livestock, equipment or hay. Our fabric barn interiors are post free, a wide open space, so you can design the fabric cattle building that works best for your needs.

Benefits of Fabric Buildings for Raising Cattle

Rushco hoop barns offer a variety of advantages for cattle farmers. Here are a few of the most important benefits of hoop barns for cows:

  • Cost efficiency: Fabric barns are much more cost-effective than traditional barns. They are easier, quicker, and cheaper to construct from sustainable materials. Maintenance over the fabric buildings’ lifetime will be 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 hot dipped galvanized steel frames are strong and durable. The fabric dampens storm and other sounds and keeps your animals calm well as dry.
  • Improved air quality: The steel frame and HDPE cover will not rot or mold. The air stays free from harmful pathogens. The shape of the building encourages air to move freely, resulting in a healthier environment for your cattle. 
  • Flexibility: Hoop buildings are highly flexible and can be customized to fit your needs. You can customize almost every thing about your building. We have variable rafter spacing to accomodate all climate conditions. We have endless ventilation and end options too.
  • Climate control: Studies have shown that a hoop buildings is typcally at least 10° cooler in the summer and about that much warmer in the winter than the outdoor air temperature. 

Things to Consider When Choosing Beef 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 cattle shed 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 cattle shelter 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 cattle shed.
  • Durability: When selecting a brand of hoop building, 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 Fabric Cattle 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. We do supply both roll-up and roll-down curtains, electric and manual.
  • 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. We can supply several different types of venting to suit your location.
  • 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 Fabric 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. If you’re a cattleman, you probably don’t need to be told the following:

  • 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 Recommendations

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

When sizing your building, the most important number is your herd size now and in the future. Another consideration is your use of the building; pens or freestalls can take extra room.

There are many factors in how many cow/calf pairs or dairy heifers fit in a barn. AI will tell you our 40 x 120 building is perfect for 100 head. That information is partially correct if you are doing outside feeding, and also if it’s not too hot where you’re keeping those critters, and maybe some other factors. Your local extension office or ag college is a good source for localized information. 

We like concrete walls for livestock buildings; they’re nice to buck up to on cleanouts. We have also seen guys have long-term success with posts and treated tongue-and-groove 2x’s. You’re the best judge of what foundation wall will stand up to your use.  

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

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