Alternative Housing encompasses many new systems that are being used for livestock production. Below you can find new information from U of I Extension on a variety of alternative structures and housing options.
Hoop Barn Construction Series (Dr. Morgan Hayes)
When I am not working as an agricultural engineer, I spend my free time farming on a cattle and hay operation. Recently, we have been working to expand the hay sales, and last year we decided to put up 2 new hoop barns. Previously we had 1 hoop barn on the property that was put up by a company. We decided to expand the hay storage for a total of 3 hoop barns. In order to reduce costs we decided to provide the labor. I will give some reflections on the process of installing hoop barns. I have broken down the process into 4 steps:
1. Site selection and preparation
2. Setting posts and constructing the knee wall
3. Installing the ribs and pulling the tarp
4. Final site preparation
Alternative Cow-Calf Housing Options
Recent presentations that were given at the 2015 Beef and Beyond conference in Champaign, IL are below.
Confinement: Cow-Calf Operations Spacing and Ventilation. Dr. Morgan Hayes
Confinement: Cow-Calf Operations Manure Management and Bedding. Ms. Laura Pepple