Barn Structures & Construction Category Guide

What Are Barn Structures & Construction Services?

Barn structures and construction services encompass the design, engineering, and building of dairy cattle housing—freestall barns, open lots, compost bedded pack barns, and specialized facilities. This includes general contractors, ag builders, and specialty dairy construction companies.

Why Barn Design Matters

Cows spend 12-14 hours daily lying down, and another 3-5 hours eating. The barn is where they live most of their lives. Good design affects lying time, feed intake, heat stress, foot health, and social behavior—all of which impact production, health, and longevity.

Key Design Goals

• Cow comfort: Encourage lying, eating, and natural behavior
• Ventilation: Fresh air and heat stress management
• Accessibility: Easy movement for cows and equipment
• Durability: Construction that lasts decades
• Efficiency: Labor-saving layout and features

Common Barn Types

Freestall Barns

Individual stalls with bedding where cows choose to lie. Most common housing for larger herds. Requires good stall design and maintenance.

Compost Bedded Pack

Open bedded area that composts as cows walk and lie on it. Good cow comfort, requires more bedding and daily stirring.

Open Lots with Shades

Outdoor housing with shade structures. Lower cost, works well in dry climates. Requires good drainage and heat management.

Tie Stall/Stanchion

Individual stalls where cows are restrained. Still used in smaller herds, particularly in some regions.

Critical Design Elements

• Stall dimensions: Sized properly for your cow size
• Ventilation: Natural or mechanical air movement
• Flooring: Traction, drainage, and cow-friendly surfaces
• Feed access: Adequate bunk space and feed delivery
• Water access: Sufficient waterers in strategic locations
• Pen layout: Social groups and cow traffic patterns

Do You Need New Construction?

Consider building if:

• Current housing limits herd size or cow comfort
• Facilities are obsolete or deteriorated beyond repair
• Production or health suffer from housing constraints
• Expansion plans require additional capacity

Cost Considerations

New freestall construction costs $1,500-3,000+ per cow space depending on region, features, and materials. Compost barns may be slightly less. Renovation costs vary widely. Consider long-term cow performance, not just construction cost—better facilities often pay for themselves through improved production and health.