Farm Building and Machinery: Farmstead Planning

Farmstead planning

The farmstead forms the nucleus of the farm operation where a wide range of farming activities take place. It normally includes the dwelling, animal shelters, storage structures, equipment shed, workshop and other structures. A carefully organised farmstead plan should provide an arrangement of buildings and facilities that allows adequate space for convenient and efficient operation of all activities, while at the same time protecting the environment from such undersirable effects as odours, dust, noise, dies and heavy traffic. A wide range of factors, should be considered when planning the arrangement of buildings and services at the farmstead.

Although the immediate objective of these plans may be the inclusion of a new building in an existing farmstead, provision should be made for future expansion and replacement of buildings. In this way a poorly laid out farmstead can be improved over the long term.

Factors to consider in farmstead planning

In planning a farmstead one has to consider number of factors; such as:

Good drainage, both surface and sub-surface, provides a dry farm courtyard and a stable foundation for buildings. A gentle slope across the site facilitates drainage, but a pronounced slope may make it difficult to site larger structures without undertaking extensive earth-moving work. Adequate space should be provided to allow for maneuvering vehicles around the buildings and for future expansion of the farm operation.

Air movement is essential for cross ventilation, but excessive wind can damage buildings. Since wind will carry odours and noise, livestock buildings should be placed downwind from the family living area and neighbouring homes. Undesirable winds can be diverted and reduced by hedges and trees or fences with open construction. Solar radiation may adversely affect the environment within buildings. An orientation close to an east-west axis is generally recommended in the tropics.

An adequate supply of clean water is essential on any farm. When planning buildings for an expanded livestock/crop production, the volume of the water supply both for present and future needs must be assessed. The water source can be a well, river, dam or spring. Ponds can be used but must be located where they can collect enough runoff. Where applicable, the supply of pipe in a good building layout should be as short as possible. Similarly, the length of electric, gas and telephone lines should be kept to a minimum.

The safety of people and animals from fire and accident hazards should be part of the planning considerations. Children especially, must be protected from the many dangers at a farmstead. It is often desirable to arrange for some privacy in the family living area by screening off the garden, outdoor meeting-resting places, verandah and play area.

Measures should be taken for security from theft and vandalism. This includes an arrangement of buildings so that the farm court and the access driveway can be observed at all times, especially from the house. A neat and attractive farmstead is desirable and much can be achieved toward this end, at low cost, if the appearance is considered in the planning, and effective landscaping is utilized.

Services

Road Access — Ready access to roads and highways is important. Don't locate the farmstead too far from a public road, or you'll have to build and maintain an all-weather road. The house should be the first building seen (orapproached) when entering the farmstead for both appearance and traffic control. Regardless of where the farmstead is situated, choose the site for the house first and locate all other buildings in relation to it.

You might consider having two entrances to the farmstead, one to the house and another to the main activity area. Such an arrangement reduces traffic, dust and noise around the house, but uninvited visitors are more difficult to detect.

If you install a gate at the entrance, place it at least 12 to 18 m from the road so vehicles have room to stop while the gate is being opened. Build the drive about 5 m wide with at least 2 m of additional clearance on each side; the extra width the extra width allows for large overhanging equipment and snow storage. Drains along the drive can be within this 2 m.

Avoid blind exits

Plan parking area to avoid traffic congestion and road blocks

Electricity

Electricity and gas — Electricity is an important source of power. Plan installation carefully to ensure adequate supplies are available when and where you need them.

Telephones — The telephone is an important tool for most farm businesses. Mobile phones could also save you valuable time in your operation.

Fire prevention

Prevent fires, by having adequate wiring, efficient lightning protection, and proper storage of fuels. Also, avoid causes of spontaneous combustion and practice good housekeeping.

To reduce the risk of fire:

Use fire-resistant building materials.

Install water hydrants near to building areas.

chemical fire extinguishers

adequate space between buildings

Security can be difficult. Farms are vulnerable to theft, arson and trespassing. A clear view from the house of the farm discourages prowlers. Yard lights will help keep away thieves. Strategically placed gates which can be locked can stop vehicular access at night or when you are away and may discourage unwanted intrusions.

Zone Planning

Zone planning can be a useful tool, but it is most effective when planning a new farmstead. The farmstead is divided into zones 10 to 30 metres wide by concentric circles as shown in Figure.

Zone planning in four zones.

Zone 1 at the centre of the farmstead is for family living, and should be protected from odour, dust, flies, etc. In Zone 2 clean, dry and quiet activities, such as implement sheds and small storage structures can be placed. In Zone 3 larger grain stores, feed stores and small animal units are placed, whereas large-scale animal production is in Zone 4 and beyond.

The advantage of zone planning is that it provides space for present farm operations, future expansion and a good living environment. However, in many cultures the livestock has traditionally been placed at the centre of the farmstead. Thus the zone concept runs counter to tradition and may not be desirable.

The layouts below are another form of farmstead planning that can be useful.

Zone 1 family house/ administrative building.

Zone 2 machinery/tools implements

Zone 3 harvest storage (pack house/ storage)

Zone 4 livestock buildings