Planning for Facilities and Equipment

The facilities (structures) as well as the equipment (tractors, implements, machinery, tools, etc.) of a farm operation play an important role in the productivity and profitability of the farm. Facilities and equipment are typically thought of as investments and labor savers, but they can become a source of financial ruin for the farm. It is essential for the farmer to design or adapt, utilize and maintain all farm facilities and equipment for optimum use, efficiency and safety. This section lists resources by category to help farmers gain knowledge and understand how best to utilize space and equipment on the farm for housing, storage, and productivity.

Resources

Farmstead Planning

Power (electricity, solar, wind)

Biosecurity

Structures

Design & Construction

  • On-Farm Construction fact sheet – University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension
  • MidWest Plan Service (MWPS) – Publications from Iowa State University about agricultural engineering, building design, air quality, manure management, agribusiness, tillage, and grain handling
  • Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (CPS) – series of plans in PDF format from Canadian network of agricultural engineers and livestock specialists concerned with the planning, design, and construction of modern farm buildings
  • Universal Design on the Farm fact sheet – University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Building Plans from Land Grant Universities 

Building Maintenance and Use

Greenhouses/Hoop Houses

Sales Areas

Feed Storage

Wash Stations/Packing Sheds and Food Safety

Product Storage (dry storage, refrigeration, root cellars)

Automation

Tractors and Implements

Machinery Selection

Machinery Purchase or Lease?

Farm Machinery Maintenance

Farm Equipment Safety and Use

Farm Shop

Manure Handling & Storage

Composting