Agriculture Form 3 – Farm Structures

Introduction

Farm structures are physical constructions on the farm designed to increase efficiency in agricultural production. These structures support various farming activities by providing shelter, storage, and protection for crops, livestock, and equipment.

Construction of Farm Structures

Involves:

Planning for Farm Structures

Consider:

• Farm activities to be carried out.
• Size of the enterprise and scale of operations.
• Future expansion or development plans of the enterprise.
• Accessibility for ease of movement and transportation.
• Soil type and ground conditions for stability.

Siting Farm Structures

When choosing the location for farm structures, consider:

• The location of the homestead for convenience.
• Accessibility for workers and machinery.
• Security to protect assets and livestock.
• Drainage and topography to avoid waterlogging.
• Wind direction to minimize damage and discomfort.
• Relationship between the structures to optimize workflow.
• Proximity to social amenities such as roads and markets.
• Farmer’s taste and preference for practical and aesthetic reasons.

Materials for Construction

Structural Materials and Their Uses

The choice of materials depends on several factors including:

• Durability to withstand environmental conditions.
• Strength to support loads and stresses.
• Labour requirements for construction.
• Availability of materials locally.
• Workability or ease of use during construction.
• Serviceability or maintenance needs.
• Cost-effectiveness.
• Sanitation and hygiene considerations.

Stones and Bricks

Advantages

• Durable and long-lasting.
• Easy to disinfect and maintain hygiene.
• Resistant to weather and insect decay.
• Widely available in many regions.

Disadvantages

• Bulky and heavy, making transportation difficult.
• Require skilled labour for proper construction.

Plastic and Synthetic Materials

Examples include:

• Glass,
• Asbestos fibre,
• Polyethylene materials.

Advantages

• Lightweight and easy to handle.
• Cost-effective depending on quality.
• Easy to disinfect and clean.
• Can be moulded into various shapes.
• Durable and resistant to insects and fungus.
• Waterproof, preventing moisture damage.

Disadvantages

• Can be easily destroyed under certain conditions.
• Fragile and prone to cracking.
• Some types are very expensive.
• Require skilled labour for installation.

Wood (Timber)

Advantages

• Workable and easy to shape.
• Relatively cheap and widely available.
• Can be reused for other purposes.
• Fairly strong and supportive.

Disadvantages

• Highly flammable and can catch fire easily.
• Prone to decay if exposed to moisture.
• Susceptible to damage by fungus and insects.

Concrete

• A mixture of cement, sand, aggregate, and water.
• For example, in making blocks, the ratio is 1:2:3 (one part cement, two parts sand, three parts aggregate).

Uses

• Making posts for fencing.
• Constructing walls and floors of buildings.
• Building gabions and water channels to prevent erosion.
• Making water troughs for livestock.

Advantages

Concrete materials are:

• Durable and long-lasting.
• Workable and easy to shape.
• Easy to disinfect and maintain hygiene.
• Cheap to maintain over time.
• Fire resistant, providing safety.

Disadvantages

• Relatively expensive to produce.
• Require skilled labour for proper mixing and application.
• Bulky and heavy, making handling difficult.
• Cannot be reused once set.

Animal Handling Structures

• The crush – used for various activities such as:

• Spraying livestock to control ticks,
• Milking,
• Examining sick animals,
• Artificial insemination,
• Treating animals (e.g., drenching, vaccination),
• Routine tasks such as dehorning and applying identification marks.

Farm Buildings

Factors to Consider in Site Selection

• Security to protect buildings and livestock.
• Proximity to a reliable source of water.
• Topography to ensure proper drainage and stability.
• Direction of the prevailing wind to reduce discomfort and damage.
• Direction of the sun for optimal lighting and warmth.
• Personal preferences and tastes of the farmer.
• Proximity to means of communication and transport.

Types of Farm Buildings

• Houses for farm animals such as cows, goats, and poultry.
• Stores for farm produce to keep crops safe and dry.
• Stores for equipment, tools, and supplies.
• Buildings for growing crops, e.g., greenhouses.
• Buildings for processing plants, e.g., milk processing plants.

Parts of a Building

• The foundation, which supports the entire structure.
• The walls, which enclose and protect the interior.
• The roof, which provides shelter from weather elements.

Roof components include:

• Kingpost,
• Rafters,
• Struts,
• Tie beam,
• Rafter batten.

Foundation components include:

• Concrete floor,
• Foundation walls,
• PVC sheet (damp-proof course) to prevent moisture rise,
• Compacted fill (hard core) for stability.

Fences

• Importance of Fences on a Farm:
• Keep out intruders and unwanted animals.
• Define the boundary lines of the farm clearly.
• Enable paddocking of fields to allow rotational grazing.
• Live fences serve as windbreaks, protecting crops and animals.
• Protect crops from damage by livestock in mixed farming systems.
• Add aesthetic value to the farm environment.
• Facilitate control of animal breeding.
• Make it easier to isolate sick animals from the rest of the herd.

Types of Fences

• Dead fences made from wooden posts and wire.
• Barbed wire fences for security and containment.
• Electric fences for effective livestock control.
• Concrete fences for durability and security.
• Chicken wire fences (mesh wire) for poultry protection.
• Woven wire fences (chain link) for strong barriers.
• Wooden fences for traditional and aesthetic purposes.

Fencing Practice

• Materials used include:

• Wires,
• Staples,
• Nails,
• Posts,
• Droppers,
• Concrete materials for setting posts.

• General purpose posts: 2.5 m long and 25 cm in diameter.
• Strainer units and corner posts: 3 m long and 30 cm in diameter.

• 3 m between posts, or 10 m if droppers are used.
• 200 m between strainer units.

Gate Posts, Gates, and Strainer Units

• Gates should be hung on posts separate from the fence for stability.
• Mechanical implements such as tractors require gate widths of 4.0 to 4.5 m.
• Entrance gates for pedestrians can be incorporated within the fence line.

Steps in Fencing

• Locate and mark the corners of the fence line.
• Clear the fencing area of vegetation and obstacles.
• Mark gates, strainers, pass places, and standards by pegging.
• Dig holes to the proper depth for posts.
• Fix the standard posts firmly in place.
• Firm the soil around posts or apply concrete for stability.
• Fix wires securely onto the posts.
• Attach droppers to support the wires and maintain tension.