Construction, Engineering & Design Services Category Guide
Part of Farm Operations, Equipment, and Infrastructure
Building Dairy Infrastructure
Dairy facilities—barns, parlors, feed centers, and support buildings—are significant investments that must function efficiently for decades. Specialized dairy construction and engineering expertise ensures facilities meet production, animal welfare, and regulatory requirements while providing long-term value.
Types of Construction Projects
Animal Housing
- Freestall barns
- Compost bedded pack barns
- Calf and heifer facilities
- Special needs and hospital pens
Milking Facilities
- Parlor construction
- Robot barn integration
- Milk house and equipment rooms
- Holding area and return lanes
Feed and Storage
- Feed storage structures (bunkers, silos)
- Commodity storage
- TMR mixing facilities
- Hay and equipment storage
Manure Systems
- Storage structures (lagoons, tanks)
- Collection systems
- Separation and treatment facilities
Service Providers
Dairy-Specialized Contractors
Builders with extensive dairy experience understand unique requirements and can anticipate needs that general contractors might miss.
Agricultural Engineers
Licensed engineers design facilities for structural integrity, animal welfare, and regulatory compliance.
Dairy Consultants
Specialists who help plan facilities from a production and management perspective.
Project Planning
- Long-term expansion planning
- Site evaluation and layout
- Permitting and regulatory compliance
- Budget development and financing
- Construction timeline and phasing
Selection Criteria
- Dairy-specific experience and references
- Understanding of animal welfare and production
- Financial stability and bonding
- Communication and project management
- Warranty and post-construction support
Cost Considerations
Dairy construction costs vary widely by region and project scope. Freestall barns may cost $1,500-3,000+ per cow space. Parlors run $2,000-10,000+ per stall depending on automation. Engineering fees typically add 5-10% to project costs. Get multiple bids and check references carefully.