FARM STRUCTURES

MEANING OF FARM BUILDINGS AND FARM STRUCTURES.

•Farm buildings and farm structures :-are the physical construction on the farm.

•Their types depends on specific activities or enterprises carried out on the farm.

•They help the farmer to carry out various activities on the farm efficiently and effectively.

Importance of farm buildings and farm structures.

1.They protect livestock from predator.

2.They help control disease and parasites in livestock.

3.They provide shelter against extreme weather conditions.

4.They provide storage for farm inputs and produce.

5.They enhance efficiency in the production process.

Factors to be considered when siting the farm buildings and structures.

1. Wind direction:

Structure producing bad smell such as  piggery should be sited on the leeward side of the farm house. Open sides of livestock structures should face away from the direction of prevailing winds to prevent animals from chilling.

2. Topography , slope or drainage:

The site should be gently sloping to facilitate  free flow of rainwater. Well drained sites are set aside for farm buildings.

3.  Accessibility :

The place should be easy to reach from most parts of the farm so as to avoid wastage of time.

4.  Existing amenities:

Farm structures should be located near to the existing amenities such as electricity and water supply to save costs.

5. Soil type:

The soil should be fairly drained, stable and fairly deep to prevent the structure from being destroyed.

6. Security :

 Structures holding certain enterprises such as poultry houses and fish ponds should be located where there are secure.

7. Government regulations:

These should be strictly adhered to when located structures, for example structures should not be located underneath power lines.

8. Future expansions:

The surrounding of a given structure should provide  enough room for expansion, should a need arise.

9. Enterprise relationship:

Structures holding related enterprises should be located close to one another to save time and costs.

10.  Panoramic view:

 A homestead or farmhouse should be  located where a large part of the farm can be seen.

11. Farmer’s whims and preferences: 

When siting farm structures, a farmer should consider what pleases him or her.