Field Shelters: Protecting Livestock and Equipment from the Elements

What are field shelters?

Field shelters provide outdoor protection and shelter for horses, livestock, equipment, vehicles, and more. They come in a variety of types and sizes to suit different needs. Let's explore what field shelters are, the benefits they offer, the types of field shelters, and tips for selecting the right one.

What are the benefits of field shelter?

There are many advantages to having a field shelter:

Protection from the elements - Field shelters provide cover from rain, wind, sun, and snow. This protects animals and equipment from getting wet, overheated, sunburned or damaged.
Comfort - Shelters allow animals like horses to get relief from flies, mosquitoes and other insects. They also offer shade on hot sunny days. The shelter helps animals stay comfortable in all weather conditions.
Health - By staying dry and comfortable, animals are less prone to illness and health issues. Their bedding also stays cleaner and drier.
Safety - Shelters provide a safe place for animals to retreat to in storms, high winds or other dangerous weather. Farm equipment and vehicles are also kept safe from weather damage.
Convenience - Field shelters make caring for livestock easier by keeping feed and supplies out of the elements. They also provide a place to temporarily contain animals when needed.

Types of field shelter

There are several types of field shelters commonly used:

Permanent field shelters

Post-frame building - These are large, modular prefab metal buildings erected onsite. They have sturdy wooden post frames anchored in the ground and are customized with stall layouts, doors, windows, etc.
Pole barn - Also known as post-and-beam, these have wooden poles or timbers embedded directly in the ground. The roof frame sits atop the poles and they have open sides.
Prefab metal - Prefabricated steel arch or A-frame buildings are quick to assemble onsite. They come in standard sizes with metal sheet walls and roof panels.

Portable field shelters

Canvas tents - Made of water-resistant canvas over a metal frame, these tents can be folded up and moved around. Most have removable sides.
Yurts - Circular tent structures with lattice wall framing covered by canvas. They have a domed roof and foldaway sides.
Canopy shelters - Quick popup canopy tents with water-resistant covers over a light metal frame. They provide basic overhead shelter.
Trailer shelters - Livestock shelters can be converted into portable field shelters. The sides are often removed to create an open-air shelter.

Mobile field shelters

Field shelter on skids - A prefab shelter built on skids allowing it to be towed to different locations. Sides may be fixed or removable.
Field shelter on wheels - These are similar skid shelters but mounted permanently on wheels with a trailer hitch. Makes moving even easier.
ATV/tractor shelters - Small lightweight steel A-frame or canopy shelters designed to be towed behind ATVs or tractors.

Benefits of Mobile Field Shelter

Mobile field shelters offer some unique advantages:

Relocation - They can easily be hitched up and moved to fresh pasture or grazing grounds when needed. This allows for better pasture rotation and management.
Weather protection - During storms, mobile shelters can be repositioned to face away from prevailing winds and rains. They provide better protection compared to open pastures.
Portability - Ranchers can take the shelter when transporting animals or equipment to different locations. Animals have shelter wherever they go.
Temporary sites - Mobile units can provide quick shelter at temporary sites like cattle working facilities, fairs, or rodeos. When done, just hitch up and go.
Minimal site work - No excavating, concrete work, or permanent utilities are needed. Just move on skids or wheels where needed.
Flexible layouts - Interior stalls, gates, feeders, etc. can be rearranged as needed since the shelter is mobile. Much more flexibility than permanent buildings.
Lower cost - Mobile field shelters are typically cheaper upfront than permanent structures and have lower site development costs.

Where is the best place to put a field shelter?

Choosing the right location is key to getting the most out of a field shelter. Here are some top placement tips:

Orient the opening away from the prevailing winds and rains. This prevents the interior from staying wet and allows animals to stay drier.
Look for higher ground that does not collect water easily or become muddy. Good drainage is important.
Have access to natural shade and trees to augment the shelter on hot sunny days.
Allow enough space around the perimeter so animals are not crowded.
Situate near gates, lanes, or trails for easy animal access and handling.
For permanent shelters, choose a site that allows future expansion if needed.
Keep some distance from streams, ponds, and wells to avoid manure runoff contamination.
Place portable shelters on firm, level sites that are easily accessible for moving and relocating them.
Position equipment shelters near where the equipment will be used for convenience.

How big should a field shelter be?

Field shelter size depends on the number and type of animals or purpose:

For horses allow 100-150 sq. ft per animal. A 12x24 shelter suits 4 horses.
For cattle allow 50-75 sq. ft per animal. A 20x20 shelter houses 10-15 cows.
For sheep and goats allow 15-20 sq. ft per animal. A 10x20 shelter holds 50 small livestock.
For hay storage figure 4-5 sq. ft per hay bale. A 12x40 shelter stores 200-240 bales.
For equipment measure your equipment and allow ample clearance around each piece.
For vehicles measure the vehicle footprint with open doors and include room to access the doors.

Allow extra space for feeders, waterers, and room to move around. Consider future herd expansion needs too. Shelters should be too big rather than too small.

Top tips on selecting your field shelter

Here are key factors to consider when choosing a field shelter:

Animal needs - Select a shelter design suited to the animals - horses, cattle, sheep etc. Include needed interior stalls, gates, and accessories.
Size - Choose an adequate size shelter based on the number of animals and room for future expansion. Allow each animal sufficient space.
Materials - Look for durable materials like powder-coated steel frames and rip-resistant covers that withstand weather and animal use.
Portability - For portable shelters consider ease of setup, takedown, and mobility with tow vehicle access.
Wind and snow - In windy or snowy climates look for sturdy anchored frame designs rated for wind, snow, and drifting loads.
Climate control - In hot climates consider shelters with shade cloth panels, roof vents, and circulation fans.
Doors/Access - Opt for wide doors and gates and unobstructed access points suited to the animals and any equipment housed.
Ease of cleaning - Look for smooth, non-porous interior wall panels that are easily swept out. Concrete flooring also helps.
Drainage - For permanent shelters, ensure the site and shelter design promote good drainage away from the interior.
Feeders/Waterers - Plan for including or providing access to feeders and water sources inside or nearby.

Careful consideration of these factors will lead you to the ideal field shelter solution for your needs and budget.

Conclusion

Field shelters are an invaluable investment for livestock owners, farmers, ranchers, and others. They protect animals and equipment from the elements and create a more comfortable environment. Shelters come in a variety of permanent and portable options. Mobile field shelters offer maximum flexibility and ease of relocation. When selecting a field shelter, pay attention to the needed size, animal requirements, weather resistance, ease of cleaning, and other features that suit your purposes. With their many benefits, field shelters can be a relatively low-cost addition that pays dividends through healthier livestock and reduced losses. Any farm or ranch can benefit from the addition of a quality field shelter.