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Farmstead Planning (Farm Building design)

Chapter · January 2015

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 Farmstead Planning

Planning is the first and most important step in designing a farmstead. While it costs very title to
change a plan on paper, the expense of altering a finished building can be prohibitive, and a poorly
conceived arrangement of buildings can diminish profits far into the future. Construction of a
new, or development of an existing, farmstead generally is a long-term project good planning can
hardly be overemphasized
The modern farmstead layout should provide efficiency, security, and safety.
Farmsteads need to meet many, often conflicting, demands. Easy, convenient access and
maneuverability for off-road and over-the-road vehicles is needed; yet such access may reduce
security and safety. Some farmsteads will have high demands for electrical power and/or water
supply. The plan should provide for efficient distribution of these services. Significant expansion
after these services are in place may reduce the original efficiency.
The overall goal of the enterprise should be evaluated carefully at the onset of farmstead planning.
The planning process should clearly define the relationship of each structure, or farmstead feature,
to the overall goal. A farmstead is primarily a workplace, but also may affect the relaxation,
recreation, and play of workers, family members, friends, neighbors, guests or others.
Constructing a completely new farmstead on a new site allows the opportunity to develop an ideal
farmstead. Most existing farmsteads have been modified in one manner or another over the years.
Often these changes have limited future options and have led to inefficient operations. Such limitations
might be avoided by evaluating the farmstead and comparing it to an ideal, before any
modifications are made.
An ideal farmstead will be outlined and the factors to be considered discussed. Most of the factors
also apply to expansion or replacement plans, although such a situation is often more difficult to
control. By long-range planning with gradual change, the efficiency of an existing farmstead may be
improved materially.
Every farmstead is unique. The various factors must be evaluated and reasonable compromises
made. An example of such a compromise might be the distance between the home and a large,
free-stall dairy barn. Convenience and efficiency might indicate very close proximity. Fire safety
might indicate a minimum of 100 ft (30 m). Freedom from offensive odors might suggest several
hundred feet. The compromise would be something in between—perhaps 200 ft (60 m).
Conflicting factors are common and require subjective judgement. Careful planning with the
very best information available will help to attain desirable compromises.

Selecting a Site
Certain factors, which significantly influenced the selection of a farmstead site in the recent
past, have relatively less importance today. The location of the farmstead in relation to the fields,
for instance, once was of prime consideration. Today large farms require considerable travel at best and
most equipment is designed for efficient road speeds. While this aspect may be of secondary importance,
some deliberation is needed particularly with regard to manure handling. Likewise, with modern snow
removal equipment, distance from the road is of less concern. In some cases, farm practices such as the
use of large irrigation systems, may influence the choice of a farmstead site. Nevertheless, there are
several critical factors to consider in any farmstead development.

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Drainage
This is the most important consideration in selecting a site for a farmstead. Adequate
surface and subsurface drainage will ensure all-weather driveways and dry foundations and will
prevent local flooding. Well-drained soil is essential for satisfactory operation of septic tank
drainage fields and for the removal of feedlot runoff and other wastes. Fractured or limestone geologic
formations may present as serious a problem as poorly drained soils, because pollution may be carried
underground for long distances.

Manure Management
If the farmstead is to house a major livestock enterprise, one of the prime considerations is manure
management. The ability to handle manure without serious problems is essential. If drainage and
other factors are to be adequate for a livestock enterprise, all or most of the following questions
should be answered affirmatively before a site can be considered satisfactory.
1. Can the site conform to all state and local environmental regulations? Additional regulations that may
be issued in the future should also be anticipated.
2. Is the topography satisfactory for the required storage and drainage of manure and effluent produced at
the farmstead?
3. Is there sufficient area to store and dispose of effluent from stables and yards without polluting a
stream, river or lake?
4. Are prevailing wind directions, air drainage, and distances such that the farm home and
neighboring homes will not be bothered by odors?
5. Can manure storage and treatment facilities be hidden from view by landscaping or topography

Water
An adequate supply of good quality water is nearly as important as the possibility for good manure
management. While water may reasonably be piped for some distance, it is advisable to ensure a satisfactory
water source early in the site selection process.

Utilities and Services

These include telephone, electrical service, feed delivery, product pickup, snow removal, road
maintenance, and the possibility for adequate access to drives and turnaround areas.

Soil
Soil, particularly around the house, should be well drained and rich enough to provide landscaping,
gardens, play areas, and a septic tank drainage field.

Orientation
Orientation on a gentle southerly slope may be desirable for air drainage and maximum sunshine.
However, prevailing winds should also be taken into account and natural barriers used where possible. While
much of the eastern half of the United States experiences westerly winds in the winter and the southern half of
the country receives southerly winds in the summer, there is considerable local variation, and information
should be obtained from the nearest weather station.

Expansion
Is there room for expansion? Any plans for farmstead development should anticipate growth in the
enterprise and the layout should facilitate expansion of buildings and services. Increased production volume
requires more than additional or larger buildings; expansion of all facilities from machinery inventories
to utilities and drainage fields may become necessary. It is wise to look for twice as much area as that
required initially and, in developing a layout, recognize the full impact of increasing production volume in the
future.

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Other considerations in selecting a site are the proximity of housing developments, other commercial or
industrial enterprises, and airports.

Building Arrangement
The arrangement of facilities for maximum efficiency of operation should be the prime concern in
farmstead planning. Proper arrangement increases efficiency by reducing walking distances to a minimum
and providing adequate driveways and turnarounds. It can also minimize the negative and utilize the
positive effects of climatic elements (sun, wind, rain, and snow) and will in turn be influenced by drainage,
slope, and other topographic features. Finally, fire protection, safety, and security are all influenced by the
farmstead layout. When a site has been selected, a large-scale map should be drawn and all major details
indicated. These should include contour lines, the direction of north, the direction of prevailing winds and
the general slope, existing roads, and natural wind barriers and waterways. Using model cut-outs
drawn to the same scale as the map, buildings then can be arranged and rearranged until a
satisfactory layout is designed. Although not present on many farms, it is generally convenient
to consider that a farmstead layout has four basic areas:
(1) a house or operation center, (2) machinery storage/farm shop, (3) feed and grain storage and
processing, and (4) the livestock areas. The operation center, which is likely to be the farm home with an
office and perhaps a communications center, should be located first as a starting point and focal point.
It should be situated at least 100 ft (30 m) from the road and located so that the flow of traffic to
and from the farmstead may be observed from inside. It should also be oriented to make maximum use of
sunlight and to take advantage of the best possible view. The remaining buildings can be arranged in
relation to the operating center. There are a number of factors to be considered, the priority of which will
vary with the enterprise.

Slope
Buildings should be located on relatively high ground with surface drainage directed away from
foundations. When constructing a building on an area that slopes, some cutting and filling will be
required. Costs may be kept to a minimum if the structure is carefully positioned and planned at
an elevation that allows the volume of cut soil to just equal the fill soil required.

Drainage
Assuming that drainage was found to be adequate in the original selection of the site, buildings
should be arranged to take the greatest advantage of the natural conditions.

Prevailing Winds
Winds can blow from all directions, but the prevailing summer breezes and winter winds need to
be considered in farmstead planning. As a general rule, winter winds sweep in from the north or
northwest while summer breezes blow from the south, southwest, west, southeast or east. Local
conditions may further alter wind patterns, and information on prevailing winds for a given locality
should be obtained from the local weather station.
The arrangement of buildings shown in figure 1 should take advantage of the cooling effects of
summer breezes and minimize the discomfort caused by cold winter winds. Open-front buildings faced
away from the prevailing winter wind will usually benefit from the cooling summer currents.
Winds carry odors, dust, microorganisms, and noise, and prudent arrangement of
buildings will use the wind to carry these away from the living center. Livestock yards and buildings
should be located down wind from the farm home and farm neighbors. Buildings should be arranged to
minimize the potential for the transport of airborne organisms being carried from larger animals to
younger ones.

3
 Several buildings lined up at right angles to the wind rather than parallel are less subject to the
spread of fire. In areas with appreciable snowfall, care should be taken to arrange buildings and
fences to reduce to a minimum the drifting of snow into yards, drives, and open-front buildings.

Solar
Proper design allows utilization of solar effects in the winter and minimizes solar heating in the
summer. The general rule is to locate the long dimension east-west and allowing maximum solar
penetration on the south. Open-front buildings, stockyards, and solar-heated facilities should be
arranged so that in winter they receive the full benefit of sunlight throughout the day. Tall
buildings, such as tower silos, should be located so they do not cast a shadow on feedlots.
The late afternoon summer sun exposure is minimized by facing the smaller end wall toward
the west. The direct radiation of the low angle winter sun on the longer south wall can enter through
open walls, doors or windows along a long southern wall. A roof overhang will keep out the high
angle summer sun.

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 The horizontal penetration of the sun can be calculated by multiplying the eave height by a
solar factor. Solar factors are given in table 20-1. For example, a building at 45°N has an eave height
of 12 ft (3.8 m). The winter (maximum) horizontal factor is 4.5, thus the solar penetration at
noon is 12 ft x 4.5 = 54 ft (17 m) beyond the eave line. For this location, the summer vertical
factor is 0.6, thus a 2 ft (0.6 m) overhang would provide 2 ft/0.6 = 3.3 ft (1.0 m) of vertical
shading.

Distances
Labour efficiency is improved by reducing travel to a minimum. Buildings between which the
most travel will occur should be located close together. If separate feed storage structures are used,
locate them as close as possible to where the feed will be used. Arrange buildings in relation to
drive and yard to allow easy maneuvering of large vehicles and equipment.
The distance between buildings usually is determined by a compromise involving efficiency, fire safety,
odour control, disease control, and available space. Fifty to 100 ft (15 to 30 m) is usually considered a
minimum safe distance between buildings or groups of buildings. This minimizes the risk of fire spread
and permits access for fighting fire. It is advisable to check with an insurance company before starting
construction.
Guidelines for distances between buildings can be useful. One method for designing a layout is
to divide the map of the farmstead site into concentric zones 100 ft (30 m) wide with the farm
home at the center.

This facilitates using the recommended distances to locate specific buildings (fig. 2). Zone 1
encompasses the family living area and should be protected from noise, odors, dust, and hazards
to children. Machinery and supply storages and the farm shop may be located about 100 ft (30 m) from
the house in zone 2 where they are easily accessible and, being relatively quiet and odour free, do
not create a nuisance. Sheep and young animals that need supervision, but do not develop heavy
odors and waste, can be located within 200 to 300 ft (60 to 90 m). In this same area, zone 3, dust-
producing feed and grain storages are located a suitable distance from the house and at the same time
close to livestock units they are to serve. Hog facilities and large animal units should be located 300 ft (90
m) or more from the center. This not only reduces the danger of odors reaching the home but also places
the unit, which is most likely to be expanded in an area where space will be available. These
recommendations are for a large-scale, general enterprise; some adjustments would be made for
specialized or smaller operations.

5
Drives, Turnarounds, and Parking Areas
Drives define the plan of circulation on the farm, directing traffic to service areas and
parking. The layout of drives should allow space for vehicles to safely travel, maneuver, and park. It
should also provide convenient parking for family and guests and, in cold regions, space for disposal of
plowed snow.
Drives that will be carrying large equipment, and on which cars may meet, should be minimum
of 16 ft (5 m) wide. In addition there should be several feet of clearance on either side to accommodate
machinery overhang, drainage, and snow accumulation. The drive should be in view of the house or
operations center and terminate in a turnaround with a minimum diameter of 110 ft (33 m). A small
building, perhaps the fuel and lubricant storage, may be located in the center of the turnaround.
Ordinarily, a U-shaped drive is not recommended. However, if the length is not great and the whole
drive is visible from the house, it may be the most satisfactory design.
Branch drives may be as little as 8 ft (2.5 m) wide in straight areas, but should be wider
on curves. A centerline radius of 25 ft (8 m) should be adequate for the curves.

Parking Areas
Parking areas should be provided near the home and, if in a different location, the farm
office. If the house is designed with front and back doors about equidistant from the parking area, then
one area should be enough. Otherwise two areas are desirable.

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Yard Lighting
Automatically controlled yard lights are a desirable feature of the farmstead. They help prevent
accidents by improving visibility, allowing a quick nighttime check of the farmstead from the house,
in addition to discouraging theft and vandalism. Mercury vapour and metal halide lamps have
greater efficiency and longer life than incandescent lamps. Fluorescent lamps are not generally
satisfactory for outdoor use because they fail to start under cold or damp conditions.

Wind and Snow Control

Winter winds create a chill factor that causes a much greater stress on livestock than extreme
cold alone. In addition, uncontrolled drifting snow can fill drives, yards, and even open-sided buildings.
Also, extreme accumulations on roofs may cause structural failure.
In the north central states and Canadian plains provinces, tree windbreaks or shelter belt are
commonly planted to reduce wind velocities and to control snow accumulations. From 6 to 12 rows
are usually planted on the north and west sides of the farmstead. The shelter belts may be 125 to 150 ft
(38 to 45 m) wide and offer wind protection for a distance equivalent to 10 times the tree height. Snow
will accumulate for 50 to 100 ft (15 to 30 m) on the lee side of the shelter belt (figs. 3, 4).
In other areas, and also while the trees are still small, fences are an effective way of
controlling wind and snow (fig. 5). Slat fences, either vertical or horizontal,

7
8
 Figure 6. Building and fence location relative to snow accumulation in open-sided
buildings.
with a density of 75 to 85% will trap most of the snow in an area on the downwind side equal in width
to four to five times the fence height. A fence of this type also offers good wind protection. Obviously
these fences should be installed far enough from buildings or yards to allow the snow to accumulate in
an unused area. The yard fence may be of solid construction, thus causing much of the remaining snow to
accumulate on the windward side of the fence (outside the yard).
Fences should be attached to open-front buildings, somewhat back from the front and the same
distance from the building. This produces a swirl chamber that dumps the snow outside rather
than inside the building (fig. 6). Note also that buildings too closely connected may cause air currents
that dump snow inside open fronts.
Almost any open-front building with its back to the wind, regardless of roof shape, is likely to
have some snow accumulation just inside the open front. It has been found that a 6 to 8 in. (150 to 200
mm) slot at the rear eaves will prevent much of this.
Finally, do not forget the aesthetics of the total farmstead layout. Is the arrangement attractive?
Is the home oriented to take advantage of natural views or landscaped areas? Aesthetics certainly can
influence pride of ownership and the quality of life even though farm income is not increased.
The following check list may help to avoid the omission of factors that should be considered in
choosing a site and planning a farmstead:

Farmstead Planning Checklist

General Home Layout

Zoning law clearance View Spacing for fire safety
Title with no encumbrance Near driveway & freedom from odors
Environmental clearance Good water supply Silos and feed storage
Good drainage Septic tank & drainage field located to allow for bam
Good water supply Garden expansion.
Space adequate for initial, Play area Driveway width
and expansion needs Garage & location.
Slope of land Wind protection Turnaround diameter
Cutting and filling required Parking space Farm pond possibilities
Prevailing wind Wind and snow control
Soil quality Full use of sunshine
Electricity
Telephone
School bus
Road maintenance
Central to crop land

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