ABC Sheds Blog

Farm security and trespassers – protecting your farm machinery

For many farmers, farm security and the risk of theft are unwanted problems that are all too common. Most machinery items found on the farm are expensive so if stolen or damaged, can result in big financial losses. And that’s not just the losses counted from the stolen machinery, but potential losses in productivity and disruption to daily work that can arise from theft as well.

So what can be done to protect your farm and machinery from potential theft? While there are a few things that you can do yourself to ensure that your equipment is as safe and protected as possible, the New South Wales government has also passed the ‘Right to Farm Bill’. This provides NSW farmers with extra protection from illegal trespassers.

What's the best grain storage option?

There are now various options available to keep grain secure – from bags and silos to grain sheds. When deciding which storage option will work best for you there can be a number of different factors that will determine which storage solution you go with. Certain storage options have particular benefits so it’s important that you weigh these up so that you have a grain storage solution that’s right for you, and will work well no matter the season.

Harvest season can be an extremely busy time of year for many farmers with long months of hard work managing crops finally paying off! It’s important that freshly harvested grain is stored correctly so that it doesn’t go to waste so it’s worth reassessing your storage options every now and again to ensure you’re using the best method for your farm.

What's the best way to store hay?

Hay bales are a common sight on many farms across Australia and can be a good source of food for animals, should there not be enough pasture to graze. This can be a common issue across warmer parts of the country that are prone to hot weather and lower rainfall.

As a resource that’s paramount to many farmers being able to feed their stock all-year-round, it’s important that hay bales are adequately protected so that they last. There are a couple of common options for storing hay securely, two of these are to either store hay under a tarp, or to store it inside a shed.

What you need to know when building a farm shed

 

For any new building project, there can be a lot that needs to be considered before you get started. A new shed is no different! From what you will be using the shed for, to council approvals you may need to go through in order to construct a new shed on your property, there are certain steps that need to be taken.

We’ve outlined some basic considerations that should be given to building a steel farm or industrial shed, and some things that you can do before you get under way, to make the process easier.

How to benefit from the government tax write-off

2020 has been a tough year so far for many farmers across Australia. Bushfires ravaged many parts of the country at the start of the year and now with the COVID-19 pandemic upon us, some farmers are struggling to get ahead.

The Australian government has recognised these struggles and on the 12th of March 2020 a $17.6 billion stimulus package was announced with the aim of keeping Australians in jobs, businesses in business, and households supported. A big part of this stimulus package was the announcement that the instant asset write-off was being increased – great news for farmers!

What's a loafing shed and why do I need one?

A loafing shed can be a valuable asset for any horse trainer, especially those that may train their horses in harsh weather conditions. A loafing shed is great to have on hand as it can provide horses with valuable cover from the elements to keep them safe, and secure.

Is it worth investing in a loafing shed? In this blog we’ve covered what a loafing shed is, and essential considerations for adding one to your property.

Adding a tack shed to a horse stable

Many people think that a horse stable is simply a horse stable – a covered structure that can house one or many horses to keep them sheltered and safe from the elements. However, there are additions that can be added on to a horse stable to make them more practical for riders, and trainers alike.

Something like a tack shed can be a great addition to a horse stable, particularly for those of you that train often so need to have a range of different gear for yourself, and your horses close by.

In this blog we’ll delve into the benefits of adding a tack shed onto your horse stable plus what you can do to make the most out of a tack shed.

Stay protected: Insure your farm shed

For anyone that owns or operates a farm, farm assets like buildings, equipment and machinery are essential to daily operations and the effective running of a farm. To ensure the smooth operation of your farm all-year-round it’s essential that all necessary farm assets are insured so that your livelihood is protected. With the recent Australian bushfires affecting many areas of the country and devastating communities, wildlife and forests, it’s important to make sure your best assets are protected so that in the case of an emergency, you’re insured.

Keeping Australia moving forward

On the 12th of March the government announced a stimulus package for Australian businesses to keep the economy moving forwards in these uncertain times. Small to medium-sized businesses are the backbone of this country's economy and employ tens of millions of people across the country. Every business plays its part and the government has come to the table with a package designed to keep those business going in as much of a 'business as usual' way as possible.

How much does it cost to build a farm shed?

Just like any new shed or piece of infrastructure, the cost to build a farm shed can be a big investment. There’s a lot to consider when building a new farm shed such as what you will be using the shed for specifically, and if you need to factor in things like extra storage space for machinery. The cost of a quality farm shed can quickly add up so it’s important to know what you’re paying for, and what you could potentially look to spend when planning the build of a farm shed.

We’ve outlined the average cost of a farm shed as well as some essential considerations to give you an idea of what you will end up spending.