Hoop Barns on the Farm
You’ve seen hay stacked to the hilt in hoop barns, but these structures can also be used for a wide variety of farm operations. From livestock handling facilities to equipment storage, from feed mixing to winter feeding and manure composting, learn how The Berry Center Farm is using hoop barns. Consider how and whether these affordable, flexible-use buildings might be an appropriate choice for your own farm, woodland, or land management needs.
This half-day, field-based workshop is led by TBC Farm Manager and Henry County farmer Steve Douglas. You’ll answer fundamental questions, such as: Do I need a barn at all and for what purposes? What can I afford? What are my long- and short-term needs, goals, and production plans?
You’ll compare hoop and stick-built / pole barn structures and evaluate affordability and expenses, materials, design, and equipment considerations. You’ll learn from our experiences in site selection, ground work, structure and infrastructure design, and configuring (and sometimes re-configuring) bunks, gates and fencing, and in-line feeding systems.
With the high cost of land and inputs, The Berry Center Farm is working hard to figure out cost-effective ways to improve infrastructure. If you are considering replacing or expanding infrastructure or you are curious about hoop barn design choices, uses, and roles in farm production, then this is the class for you.
You’ll receive a collection of resources, and you’ll have access to farmers and other professionals with first hand experience in the construction, planning, and uses of hoop barns on a working farm.
*This course is designed for adult and children over the age of 12 with an adult guardian.
Current Offerings
November 21 - Registration
Saturday 9am-12pm
Limit 12 participants
$25 per person, discounted rate for additional household members.
