Checklist For Existing Infrastructure and Beef Cattle

By Taylor Zahn and John Tyson

Existing buildings already on the farmstead may, in fact, make suitable housing for beef animals.  Several areas need to be considered and evaluated to determine the building’s suitability for housing.

1. Determine the kind of cattle you expect to house in the building. Consider size, breed, and age.

2. Know the square footage of available space for the cattle and bunks.

3. Calculate appropriate spacing and bunk space for the cattle.

Assessing the building to determine the linear feet of available feeding space and the square footage of the resting area that can be provided will determine the number of animals that can be housed in the given building. Typically, when remodeling an existing building for animal housing, either feed space or resting space will limit the number of animals that are housed.  After determining the type or types of animals you will be housing, use the brief chart below to determine the approximate number of animals that can be supported either by the resting area or feed space.

Determining the approximate number of animals that can be supported either by the resting area or feed space

4. Critically evaluate ventilation for intended seasonal use: Mechanical or Natural

• Mechanical: Installation cost and cost of operation
• Natural: Building location and orientation. Cost and ease of modifications
• Proper air exchange should control moisture, gas, and pollutant levels in the entirety of the space.

• Ventilation Resources: Ventilation links, Mechanical ventilation

5. Determine electric availability and assess needs. Consider the following:

• Adequate wiring
• Code compliant
• Safety

6. Access the interior space arrangement and clearance.

• Cost to relocate posts, beams, or walls
• Cost to remove existing equipment, bunks stalls, etc
• Is there clearance and turning space for the skid loader or feeding and manure equipment?

7. Evaluate building soundness. Consider the following & the cost to fix it If needed:

• Support walls, columns, beams, footing, and foundational walls
• Roof frame & cover
• Drainage
• Age

8. Critically evaluate the location of the building. Consider the following:

• Wind direction
• Ease of access for feeding, manure handling, and cattle movement
• Distance from other buildings, roads, and pasture
• Runoff
• Noise, rodents, & odors

9. Locate water resources and assess if they are accessible or if they can be added to accommodate cattle numbers. Consider front-free locations.

• 1-2 inches per head
• 10-15 head per ball

• Reference: Ag Guide 4^th Edition

10. Consider the manure handling plan

• Are floor surface modifications necessary?
• Is there clean-out equipment access?
• Storage
• Runoff control

All costs-tangible and intangible- must be considered.

The health and performance of the animals must not be compromised.