Many forward-thinking dairy farmers are beginning their journey by using an Action loafing barn as a stepping stone to a freestall setup — providing immediate value from a loafing barn while keeping options open for the future.
Markus Lang of Lang Dairies uses his Action loafing barn to complement his grazing system, protecting paddocks and improving cow comfort without committing to fully contained housing.
For Markus, the barn is an important management tool to reduce the impact of weather events on milk yields.
“We can do something about it, and it makes sense to do things about it,” Markus said.
Compared to a freestall barn, a loafing barn offers a lower initial capital cost, making it an attractive option for farmers looking to scale gradually, spread risk and manage cash flow.
In many cases, preparing a loafing barn for a future freestall fitout is a relatively low-cost exercise.
Jason Stone, building consultant at Action Steel, says with a few strategic decisions now, you can future-proof your barn infrastructure and unlock additional longer-term value.
“A freestall barn offers a lower cost per head than a loafing barn because a freestall barn can accommodate more cows than a loafing barn of the same size — in some cases as much as 60 per cent more cows,” Jason says.
If you are considering installing a loafing barn and converting it to a freestall barn down the track, early planning is essential for a smooth transition.
Action Steel has developed a four-step process to set your project up for success, starting with engaging consultants early and communicating your long-term goals in the initial discussions.
The second step is smart site selection and planning.
“Your choice will influence almost every aspect of your barn’s performance, from airflow and effluent management to future expansion,” Jason said.
A freestall barn may also require additional permits or environmental approvals, so Action recommends anticipating permit requirements now, even if you aren’t building the barn yet.
As registered builders, Action Steel staff can guide you through this process and submit council building and planning permit applications on your behalf.
Finally, you will need to factor in the width and bay spacings required for the freestall fit out.
For example, Action’s standard 40-metre span width with 10m bay spacings is a proven, functional and cost-effective configuration.
Start with a clear long-term strategy and involve the right people early — talk to the team at Action on 1800 687 888.
You can also meet the team at International Dairy Week and the Australian Dairy Conference.
