The Truth About Agricultural Pole Barns—What You Need to Know

Running a farm or agricultural business? If so, you know space is everything—especially when it comes to protecting your agricultural assets. Hay, equipment, harvested crops… They all need safe storage and protection from the elements.

However, getting the right building for your farm can feel overwhelming. Because, let’s face it: You have plenty of options. And feeling confident in your choice of contractor and building type can feel a bit daunting. But here’s the good news.

This article gives you a no-nonsense, cost-effective solution for expanding your farming operation: agricultural pole barns. You’ll learn the unique benefits of pole barns, the most common reasons for buyer’s remorse, and a practical plan for choosing the right contractor.

Sound good? Let’s dive in.

Why Farmers Love Pole Barns

Pole barns—also known as post-frame constructions—are simple, sturdy buildings used for anything from residential housing to commercial workspaces, horse stables, agricultural equipment storage barns, and more. 

The name pole barn comes from the fact that these buildings use large posts buried in the ground (or anchored to a concrete slab) as their main support system. Due to their construction style, post-frame construction comes with a few unique advantages.

1. Pole Barns are Cost-Effective

Pole barns do not require a traditional foundation or framing lumber. This savings in material—plus a reduced need for labor—make agricultural pole barns a cost-effective solution for many farmers.

2. Pole Barns Are Durable and Low Maintenance

While the basic building process of post-frame construction is somewhat simple, pole barns are incredibly tough. 

When made with treated posts and high-quality metal siding and roofing, pole barns can handle heavy snow loads, high winds, and the sometimes brutal wear and tear of farmwork. Additionally, post-frame construction generally has fewer corners, cracks, joints, and seams—meaning less maintenance issues over the lifetime of the building.

3. Pole Barns Offer Incredible Design Flexibility

Something we at Tristate love about designing and building agricultural pole barns is the variety of applications our clients use them for.

Whether you need a machine shop, equipment bay, hay or crop storage for your farm, pole barns give you the flexibility to design a space that perfectly meets your needs today and tomorrow. 

Wide clear-span interiors, tall ceilings, multiple bays, or climate control… Tristate specializes in these things—and as reputable pole barn builders, we can customize your layout for your exact operational demands.

4. Faster Construction and Lead Times

Due to the uncomplicated nature of pole barns, they can usually be built very quickly. There are a few reasons for this.

For one, since there is no need for a full concrete foundation, permitting can be cheaper and easier. It also means less excavation required (and less disruption to your property) before constructing your building. 

In fact, pole barns can often be built in a matter of weeks—something traditional construction just can’t offer.

Buyer’s Remorse with Agricultural Pole Barns—And How to Prevent It

Now, although pole barns are such a popular solution in the agricultural world, there is an unfortunate reality we’d like to share.

Not everyone ends up happy with their agricultural pole barn. 

The reason for this usually boils down to the relationship between the client and contractor. And when there isn’t enough communication between the two, farmers sometimes run into the following issues.

1. Their building is not completed as envisioned
2. Project timelines drag out
3. The final price exceeds the initial budget
4. There’s unnecessary conflict with the builder

While these issues do happen (more often than you might think) avoiding them is simple: find a contractor who cares. Here are a few questions you can ask to ensure you’re making the right choice for your farm and new pole barn. 

1. Do their clients back them up? 
2. Can they share a portfolio of completed projects? 
3. How communicative are they during the initial design process? 
4. How long have they been in the post-frame construction business?
5. Are they asking you a lot of questions? (They should be)

A reputable pole barn builder will be able to pass this test with flying colors. And while you should definitely get multiple quotes before starting any major building project, we have a suggestion for where to start: our free online pole barn designer.

After answering a few simple questions about your agricultural pole barn needs, you’ll receive an accurate quote from a pole barn builder who cares—about you, about your building, and about establishing a positive relationship that lasts a lifetime.

Then, if you’re ready to go through with your project, you can rest assured you’re working with a crew fully committed to providing you with a custom building of your dream—one made from the highest-quality materials and backed by a lifetime workmanship warranty.

In other words, your complete satisfaction is our #1 priority… So don’t let a lack of space hold your agricultural business back any longer.

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Get a free quote (and design your dream building) today. Click here to begin.

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