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Is On-Farm Fertilizer Storage Right for You? Experts Weigh In.

Accu-Steel General Manager, John Klehn, recently appeared on RFD-TV’s Rural America live with ADM experts Mike Headlee (Regional Sales Manager) and Brian Flaska (Director of Fertilizer Sales) to discuss on-farm fertilizer and grain storage.

Great advice and insights were shared throughout the episode, so we’re breaking down the highlights for you.

What affects the price of fertilizer?

Many factors contribute to the price of fertilizer, including what your local supplier has on hand and how easily you can get it when you need it.

  • Geo-political issues, such as the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, impact costs, as commodities may not be as readily available as they normally are. 

  • Crude oil and natural gas prices impact how fertilizers are made, so there is always a direct correlation between energy prices and fertilizer costs.

  • Logistics situations, such as interruptions on rail and river systems, can also affect how much fertilizer is available and at what cost.

The constant marketplace fluctuation affecting the price of fertilizer forces farmers to ask themselves difficult questions, like, “Am I buying at the right time? Should I take advantage of these interest rates or wait and see what happens?”

Watch the first segment of Accu-Steel’s Rural America Live episode to learn more about the fluctuating price of fertilizer.

How can storing fertilizer on my farm help me manage risk?

When you store fertilizer on your farm, you give yourself the power to buy commodities when you need them or when it makes sense for your operation. You can take control of the marketplace by buying outside the peak demand season and storing fertilizer on your farm until you need it. You’re also mitigating logistical risks so that availability becomes less of a concern. This flexibility allows you to make the best decision for your operation.

How do I know if an on-farm fertilizer storage building is right for me?

A common sentiment we hear from farmers is that they feel their operation isn’t large enough to warrant on-farm fertilizer storage. Our solutions are size agnostic – there is no bare minimum or maximum for fertilizer storage. Your decision for on-farm fertilizer storage should come down to your business model and how you want to manage risk.

Ask yourself a few questions:

  • Do the long-term benefits of on-farm storage make sense for me?

  • Do I want to be able to take advantage of market swings?

  • Could I share a storage facility with other farms or agricultural businesses in the area to make on-farm storage even more cost-effective?

Watch the second segment of Rural America Live to hear the full on-farm fertilizer storage discussion with the Accu-Steel and ADM experts.

Why is an Accu-Steel fabric-covered building the right choice for fertilizer storage?

We’re here to help you store things better and make your business more profitable and efficient. We look at each farm operation individually and consult with you to determine what the best storage solution looks like. 

Every operation is different, so your needs will be different – and we won’t shoehorn you into a building that won’t work for you. 

We’ll work with you to create an on-farm fertilizer storage facility that is built around you. Every building might look the same on the outside, but it’s manufactured differently to fit your needs. And every fabric-covered building will have these features engineered to ensure fertilizer quality:

  • Flexibility. And that means several things:

    • Flexibility in what you store. Don’t have a need for fertilizer right now? Store your equipment or farm machinery instead. 

    • Flexibility in capacity. If you find you need more space, we can easily add on to your existing structure.

    • Flexibility in how your building works. How do you need to load your building? Do you need a wheel loader or conveyor? Do you want to blend on the inside or outside of the building? Do you need a drive alley for a semi? We can accommodate all those needs and more.

  • Natural light. Our fabric buildings allow natural light in while keeping harmful UV rays out, so you and your team are working in a bright, safe environment. You’ll also enjoy low energy costs.

  • Wide open space. Our fabric-covered buildings don’t need support beams in the middle, so you have zero obstructions from one side of the building to the other for easy equipment maneuvering and access to commodities.

  • Minimal risk of corrosion. Our fabric buildings are made with hot-dip galvanized steel, a chemical bond that reduces or eliminates corrosion. We also treat parts of the building with additional corrosion-resistant materials.

Watch the third segment of Rural America Live to see how we can work with your fertilizer supplier, such as ADM, to create an on-farm storage solution that makes sense for you.

Next steps

We’re ready to answer your fertilizer storage questions and talk about possible on-farm fertilizer storage solutions. Fill out the quote request form to start the conversation.

Why a Fabric-Covered Building Is Your Perfect Grain Storage Solution

Your grain storage isn’t just a structure. It’s an investment – and it’s a big one. You need a trusted partner – one who provides valuable expertise, knows your industry, and understands how you work. One whose entire approach is Built Around You.

As you’re considering the best option for your grain storage building needs, here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get about grain storage and how Accu-Steel can help.

1. How does an Accu-Steel building provide the best environment for grain storage?

Grain should be stored in a well-ventilated building so it stays dry. If your grain is stored in a building that is not well ventilated, it can spoil or form hot spots, causing the grain to “cook” or even be hot enough to start a fire.

Accu-Steel fabric buildings are specifically designed with the challenges of grain storage in mind. Our grain storage structures offer open end walls or wall vents to provide maximum ventilation for your grain, while still protecting it from the elements. Soffit ventilation allows fresh air to enter the building from both sides, pushing hot air out through peak vents that reduce moisture in the building. Additional wall anchorage supports the grain force pushing on the walls. When you lose less grain to spoilage, you reduce your overall cost per bushel – which goes straight to your bottom line.

2. How much time and money will it take to maintain my grain storage building?

With the natural ventilation, hot-dip galvanized steel, and extremely durable cover that our fabric-covered buildings provide, there is little to no maintenance required. Fabric-covered buildings are consistently one of the easiest types of buildings to maintain.

3. Will I be able to easily access my grain?

Unlike traditional dome or metal storage buildings, fabric storage buildings allow for extremely easy access to your grain, and adding a conveyor allows you to efficiently fill your building. Our wide-open interiors have no obstructing beams, so your equipment can easily pass through. Fabric buildings allow for greater storage capacity, excellent maneuverability, and easy access to inventory so you can monitor your grain conditions more effectively.

4. How much grain will I be able to store?

How much grain do you want to store? Accu-Steel provides a variety of building profiles to fit your space and your storage needs. And if those needs change, our fabric-covered buildings can easily be expanded. 

5. Will my grain storage building be able to withstand intense weather conditions?

When you choose an Accu-Steel fabric-covered building for grain storage, you’re choosing a building that is engineered to withstand even the toughest weather conditions. Our strong steel frames are galvanized to withstand corrosion, and our fabric cover is the strongest tensile fabric on the market. Our buildings are engineered to hold up to heavy wind and snow conditions and are covered with a 20-year warranty.

6. How can I get my Accu-Steel fabric-covered grain storage building?

We’re ready and excited to work with you! Here are some easy ways to get started:

  • Learn more about our grain storage solutions and request a free quote.
  • Give us a call anytime at 1-877-338-6936 to start the conversation about your custom fabric-covered building.
  • Talk to us in person! Accu-Steel will be at GEAPS Exchange February 24-27, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri! Come see us at booth #3105, across from the lunch lounge. We hope to see you there.

How We Create a Fabric-Covered Structure Built Around You

A fabric-covered building is not just a structure. It’s an investment. And it’s a big one. You need a trusted partner – one who provides valuable expertise, knows your industry, and understands how you work. 

That rich understanding is what we’re passionate about delivering to each and every Accu-Steel customer. Our entire approach is Built Around You and what’s important to you. 

What kind of building solutions do we provide?

If you want a turnkey building solution, we can do that. In fact, we have buildings ready to go right now – they can be delivered to your property in a matter of weeks.

If you need a more customized building solution, Accu-Steel is one of the only fabric-covered building manufacturers that thrives in this area. Our fabric buildings are engineered to provide your operation with infinite possibilities. From livestock to storage, our adaptable structures can be customized to the exact needs of your property, climate, herd, and more.

How do we create custom solutions?

Customizing a fabric-covered building to your needs starts with candid conversations with you and your team about what exactly you are looking for. As our team works to understand what kind of building you need, we dive into the specifics of your operation:

  • What are your biggest pain points today? 

  • How do you want to grow in the future? 

  • What building specifications would make your life easier? 

  • What is your budget?

From there, our engineers create plans for a building that is suited to your operation. You get to review these plans. You get to make changes and sign off on the final product. You get to oversee the building installation. You and your team are a vital part of your custom building solution every step of the way.

What custom fabric-covered buildings have we created?

We take great pride in every customized building project we complete. Here are a few recent favorites:

  • An indoor riding arena for National Rodeo Hall of Famer Jimmie Cooper and his son, Jake. “Jake and I set up an arena that we thought was the exact size we wanted,” Jimmie said. “We got back with [Accu-Steel owner] Jason Owen and told him the dimensions, and then he worked with his engineers to figure out the best solution. We made a few tweaks through the process, but he was able to get us just exactly what we wanted.” Watch the full video to see this amazing fabric-covered riding arena in action.
  • A fabric-covered cow/calf building for Christopher Brown with Ridgeside Agricultural Services. Brown especially appreciated how our team accommodated his needs. “They do not try to push any specific build on anyone. They want the customer to have the barn that fits their operation.” Read more about this Integrity Cattle cow/calf building project.
  • A relocatable equipment storage building with a shipping container foundation for a mining facility. The building is used for quarry employees to pull their equipment in and work. The sturdy fabric cover protects them from the elements and provides an energy-efficient solution for the operation. Learn more about the unique relocatable building foundation.

How can you get started on your own fabric-covered building project with Accu-Steel?

We’re ready and excited to work with you! Here are some easy ways to get started:

Read more on our customized building projects:

From Customer to Dealer: Why Christopher Brown Trusts Accu-Steel Fabric-Covered Buildings

Christopher Brown grew up on a farm raising tobacco, corn, soybeans, and cattle. When he was 16, his grandfather gifted him with five heifers. Over the years, Brown has grown that herd to 250 cow/calf pairs. 

“I plan to continue growing my cattle operation, and that’s where Accu-Steel comes in,” Brown said. “Land prices have increased dramatically in the past few years to the point that buying land for cattle will not work. These barns allow me to nearly double my herd size with the same acreage.”

Brown, owner of Ridgeside Agricultural Services, first met with Accu-Steel in 2022. 

The Integrity Cattle building drew me in. The workmanship and attention to detail, along with the ability to customize any building profile to meet my needs, is what attracted me to it,” he said. “I looked at several other buildings and none held a match to the Accu-Steel design.”

As he had more conversations with Accu-Steel, he appreciated their supportive customer service. “They do not try to push any specific build on anyone. They want the customer to have the barn that fits their operation.”

Early in his relationship with Accu-Steel, Brown was invited to see a cattle building in action. “They told me to come out anytime, and they took the day to show me around,” he said. Accu-Steel owner, Jason Owen, also made himself available during Brown’s decision-making process.

“Jason was very involved in a lot of meetings,” Brown said. “I have talked with him on the phone several times, and he has always told me to call him anytime. He’s come out to my operation and met with local producers.” 

The ease of communication has been what sets Accu-Steel apart for Brown. “I have never called and been left hanging,” he said.

Brown liked working with Accu-Steel so much that he eventually became a dealer himself. His most recently completed project was a 67’ x 208’ Integrity Cattle building project that will handle 120 to 130 cow/calf pairs. 

With head catches on both sides of the barn, a single person will be able to easily and safely give the herd secluded vaccinations. Creep gates were installed around the barn, allowing small calves to exit and enter the barn as they please. With watering troughs and feed bunks on each side of the building, cattle get equal access to food and water.

While Brown often works with customers in the construction and wholesale/warehousing industries, he takes particular pride in giving back to his farming peers.

“I am a farmer, and I want my community and other farmers to have the best products for success,” Brown said.

Are you interested in a fabric-covered building that will perfectly suit you and your operation? Call 877-338-6936 to speak with a certified Accu-Steel dealer, or fill out an inquiry form to get the conversation started.

More on Integrity Cattle buildings:

How a 5th-Generation Cattle Operation Brought their Herd Under Roof

Eiberger Feeders of King City, Missouri, has been in operation for five generations. In order to continue this family tradition, they were looking for more efficient ways to care for their cattle.

The Eibergers were drawn to Accu-Steel’s Integrity Cattle building for 4 main reasons:

  1. Less upkeep. The low-maintenance structure would make life easier for the father-son team. Accu-Steel’s fabric does not mold or rot like conventional construction. In addition, its hot-dip galvanized steel ensures the trusses will not prematurely corrode, so the Eibergers will have minimal upkeep on their cattle structure.
  2. Affordability. The fabric-covered building was more affordable than a traditional steel building, which allowed them to add a working structure that makes everyday labor easier and more efficient.
  3. Durability. Eiberger Feeders’ cattle building has fabric with Enduro-Loc™ technology – the most durable fabric cover available on the market – to maintain a consistent environment, regardless of outside elements. Each Accu-Steel building is custom built based on regional snow and wind loads, so the Eiberger’s barn is ready to stand up to harsh Midwest weather.
  4. Customization. The Eibergers added features and customized their build to their exact needs, including:
    • Feed lanes on both sides of the building with J-bunk feeders on the inside and outside of the facility to ensure cattle are well fed.
    • A deep pit to lower manure management costs and reduce labor.
    • Dual eaves designed for Accu-Steel cattle buildings and a custom ridge ventilation system to create a dry environment with excellent air quality for cattle, keeping them clean, healthy, and out of harsh environmental elements year-round for improved herd performance.
See what the finished product looks like and hear from the Eibergers:

Want your own customized Accu-Steel cattle building? Fill out an inquiry form to get the conversation started. Our team will be in touch shortly!

Optimize your Public Works Facility with a Fabric-Covered Building

Did you know you risk losing 20% annually of salt and sand stockpiles due to runoff, wind, rain, and other natural processes? Leaving salt and sand uncovered and exposed to the elements or storing it in the wrong building can lead to major problems. This is something your municipality likely cannot afford and doesn’t want to deal with.

Accu-Steel specializes in fabric-covered buildings for salt and sand storage. Our Integrity, Advantage, Pro-Advantage, and Crossover buildings are especially suited to your storage needs. Here are five ways our buildings make stockpile storage easier for your municipality:

  1. Withstands harsh conditions.

Traditional buildings often have leaking seams or are made with subpar materials that can lead to moisture entry and other issues that endanger your stockpiles. Our buildings are made with hot-dip galvanized steel that does not corrode, even in high-acidity environments. Additionally, our fabric covers are made of the most durable material on the market. Its Enduro-Loc™ technology prevents mold and rot so your stock stays dry, safe, and ready to use.

  1. Allows maximum storage.

Accu-Steel buildings feature clearspan construction, meaning there are no support beams. That provides ample space for equipment, inventory, and people under one roof. Trucks and tractors can easily move in, out, and around the building. 

Our flexible fabric-covered storage buildings allow us to customize your building to suit your municipality’s needs. Your public works facility can be the exact size you need, with access points where you need them. Choose options that will allow you to load from an attached portable conveyor system, or opt for dumping and pushing to load the building. 

Having the right space for the job enables employees to work more efficiently and effectively. When you have the exact facility you need, you’re limiting damage to your equipment and inventory, while minimizing workplace injuries.

  1. Saves time.

The cost and time to build a traditional storage facility aren’t always feasible, but Accu-Steel provides cost-effective solutions that can be installed quickly. And because we’re a Sourcewell approved provider, you can streamline the often lengthy RFP process and get the public works facility you need faster. 

Aside from project approvals and install time, Accu-Steel buildings save time for your employees, too. When you cover deicing materials with a tarp or are working with an inefficient building, it takes workers extra time to maneuver equipment, remove any protective coverings, load the trailer, and cover the stockpile again. Your workers will be able to access materials with ease when it’s stored in an Accu-Steel facility.

  1. Minimizes environmental impact.

Many areas have laws or guidelines regarding the environmental impact of stored commodities. Installing a storage facility will help you meet regulations regarding groundwater contamination. As a municipality, you know the importance of being a good steward of the environment. An Accu-Steel storage facility is a great way to protect your community from groundwater pollution. 

When you need a storage solution that will keep your municipality’s stockpiles safe and help your employees work more efficiently, look no further than Accu-Steel fabric-covered buildings. Our completely customizable building solutions stand up to harsh conditions, keep stockpiles safe, save time and effort, and help you protect the environment.

Want to know more? Fill out an inquiry form or give us a call at 877-947-4553 to get the conversation started.

Explore more about salt and sand storage:

5 Ways to Manage Risk in your Cattle Operation with a Fabric-Covered Building

Risk management in cattle production is about controlling the probability of outcomes occurring or controlling the impact if they do occur. When you’re planning for risk, you have to ask yourself: “How much risk can I afford to take? How much risk am I willing to take? What risk can I control?”

Herd health should be a major part of your risk management practices. But controlling an entire herd can be challenging, especially if you have a large, spread-out operation. That’s where we come in.

Accu-Steel can help you take control

Bringing your herd under roof with an Accu-Steel Integrity Cattle fabric-covered building is an excellent way to manage risk. Here are 5 ways you can take control with Accu-Steel.

1. Enhance herd safety and comfort. 

Healthy and content cattle → less stress and disease → increased productivity → increased bottom line. As cattle farmers ourselves, we understand what it takes to keep cattle healthy. Our customizable cattle buildings keep them out of harsh weather while giving them plenty of space to roam, so they’re clean, dry, and comfortable year-round. 

2. Calve year-round.

When you calve under roof, you have the advantage of shifting your calving season to capitalize on market prices. You can then take your products to market while others are still using the traditional cow/calf system on pasture.

When you’re calving outside, your schedule is up to the weather and you don’t know where you’ll be working. Environmental elements also add risk to the calving process. Bringing your calving operation under roof makes labor much more consistent and efficient — a benefit both for you and your herd. 

Raising calves under roof can also pay off throughout their lifespans. One cattle producer told us their weaning weights are 80 pounds heavier than they were before calving under roof. They attribute this to the calves getting the best start possible in the Accu-Steel fabric-covered Integrity Cattle building, where they could use a creep feeder in a controlled environment before the calves went out to pasture.

3. Improve feed efficiency. 

When you have more control over your herd under roof, you can monitor for consistent intake and maximize weight gain, whether that means feeding less and getting the same performance or feeding more and getting cattle to market quicker. Controlling consistent feed intake allows you to have more predictable feed costs. 

You can also manage feed quantity and quality:

  • There’s less waste, as hay and other feed ingredients aren’t spilled outdoors where it’s tricky to clean up.
  • It’s protected from the elements, making it easier to maintain nutritional quality and reducing product shrinkage and spoilage. 

4. Make labor more predictable. 

Life in the cattle industry can be unpredictable, especially during the calving season. That might lead to burnout, high turnover, or health issues in your crew. When cows are under roof, you can keep track of their daily health more easily:

  • You can monitor when a cow is going to calve and lower the risk of losing calves. 
  • It’s easier to ensure the entire herd is getting fed and watered. 
  • You can use technology to help keep an eye on the herd so your employees aren’t overwhelmed.

This all adds up to a more uniform, predictable workday. 

5. Reduce cost.

Herd safety and comfort, calving ease, feed efficiency, and easier, more predictable labor all add up to lower costs for your operation. Less feed waste. Less health concerns. Less labor. Win, win, win.

With Accu-Steel fabric-covered cattle buildings, you can reduce risk for your operation and control what you are able to control while providing safe, comfortable spaces for your cattle. Take it from our owner, Jason Owen: “There’s not a bad day in our buildings, regardless of weather.” 

Want to know more? Fill out the inquiry form or give us a call at 877-947-4553 to get the conversation started.

3 Reasons to Make a Year-End Investment in your Herd with a Fabric-Covered Cattle Building.

As 2023 comes to an end, there are some important financial decisions all business owners — including beef and dairy producers — need to make. 

You might be considering buying a new truck or a piece of equipment before the year ends. But there are effective investments you can make in your operation — ones that will benefit your farm for way longer than any truck or machine.

Here are three reasons why investing in the right housing for your livestock is one of the smartest year-end financial decisions you can make.

1. Improve cattle health and performance 

Producing healthy and happy cattle requires adequate shelter. But traditional cattle barns are expensive and take time to build — and they often don’t have the air flow and space needed to help cows feel comfortable.

The more stressed cattle become, the more susceptible they are to disease. That makes them less productive, which significantly impacts your bottom line.

2. Built for your business, no one else’s

When you partner with Accu-Steel to bring cattle under roof, you’re getting a fabric-covered building customized to your herd’s needs. This allows them to have plenty of space to roam without having to deal with harsh environmental conditions. 

Any size, any layout, any specifications you need, we can deliver. We conform to YOUR operation, not the other way around. Watch what we created for a 5th-generation cattle producer in Missouri, with the help of Central Confinement Services:

3. You could be covered by Christmas

We know the end of the year is a busy and stressful time. While other building materials or equipment are on backorder or impacted by supply chain issues, our building solutions are available right now. If you’re ready to get a jump on protecting your herd before the weather gets nasty, we’re ready to install a new building for you by year-end.

From one cattle farmer to another

What makes Accu-Steel different from any other fabric-covered building manufacturer? Accu-Steel was born and bred on a Century Farm. We started as farmers. We continue to farm because it’s our passion. We know your business, and we know cattle. Let us help keep your cattle healthy year-round, which will help you increase your bottom line for years to come.

Let’s start by getting you a free quote. Fill out this form or give us a call at 877-338-6936

Partnering with Accu-Steel Dealers to Suit Your Needs | Rusty and Adam Sarver | Main Street Builders

Accu-Steel and its dealers are dedicated to finding fabric-covered buildings that are best suited for you and your operation. A prime example of this commitment is in Princeton, WV, where Rusty and Adam Sarver co-own and operate Main Street Builders.

For the last 20 years, these brothers have sold multiple styles of buildings, but recently committed to selling Accu-Steel products. “What initially drew us to Accu-Steel was the fact their products are American-made. We also appreciated that it is a family-owned company with an agricultural history — much like our own business. We have now been selling Accu-Steel products for the last eight months,” said Rusty.

In the short time the Sarvers have partnered with Accu-Steel, they’ve observed some noticeable benefits for their customers. “These products have low-impact on the building site and can be constructed quickly, along with having great warranty. The ideal price per square foot without much compromise on durability is also appreciated by our customers. Other bonuses I’ve heard people mention are the open-air feel and natural light they let in. Overall, Accu-Steel fabric-covered buildings lend themselves to different applications that other buildings don’t,” Rusty remarked.

The Sarvers have worked with a variety of customers in different industries — having formed relationships with livestock farms and others requiring storage for commodities, such as salt and chemicals. They have also attended county agency meetings (similar to ag trade shows) to explain the benefits of fabric-covered buildings to agriculture operations. “We put a lot of effort into meeting customers and getting personal relationships going. This involves seeing what their needs are and working together to find a building that truly suits them,” said Rusty.

One example of helping a customer find the right building was for a small West Virginia cattle farm, with approximately forty cows and calves. They needed hay storage (and fast). “We completed the hay shed for this customer in only six days. He was not only super impressed with the quick construction time, but also loved the natural light inside his new building. A comment the customer made was that he ‘couldn’t believe the bang for the buck’ he got with this Accu-Steel building,” explained Rusty.

Looking for someone to find a fabric-covered building best suited for you and your operation? Call 877-338-6936 to speak to a certified Accu-Steel dealer or visit www.AccuSteel.com for a free quote.

Accu-Steel Dealer, Clint Iams, Installs a Hoop Building with Shipping Container Foundation for a Mining Facility In Morgantown, WV

Are you looking for a durable and versatile building solution for your work site? Look no further than Accu-Steel fabric-covered buildings. These buildings offer a wide range of benefits, including the ability to be relocatable, making them perfect for situations where work sites may move in the future. Accu-Steel dealer, Clint Iams from Log Cabin Fence Co located in Amity, PA put up an Advantage building (you might recognize this as a hoop building) in Morgantown, West Virginia. The foundation of this building is shipping containers! This building will be used for employees at the quarry to pull their equipment in and work while being protected from the elements. Accu-Steel fabric-covered buildings can also be relocatable, making them perfect for situations like this where work sites may move in the future. Learn more or get a free quote at AccuSteel.com

Recently, Accu-Steel dealer Clint Iams from Log Cabin Fence Co located in Amity, PA installed an Advantage building (also known as a hoop building) in Morgantown, West Virginia. What sets this building apart is its unique foundation – shipping containers!

The foundation of the building is made up of shipping containers. This provides a solid base for the building and is also a cost-effective solution. The building will be used for employees at the quarry to pull their equipment in and work. It will protect them from the elements and provide an energy-efficient solution.

Accu-Steel dealer, Clint Iams from Log Cabin Fence Co located in Amity, PA put up an Advantage building (you might recognize this as a hoop building) in Morgantown, West Virginia. The foundation of this building is shipping containers! This building will be used for employees at the quarry to pull their equipment in and work while being protected from the elements. Accu-Steel fabric-covered buildings can also be relocatable, making them perfect for situations like this where work sites may move in the future. Learn more or get a free quote at AccuSteel.com

Advantage Series Fabric Covered Buildings

Accu-Steel fabric-covered buildings are not only durable and versatile. They are also customizable to fit your specific needs. Whether you need a building for storage, shelter, or workspace, Accu-Steel can provide a solution that meets your requirements.

Our mining buildings provide plenty of space for on-site equipment storage, bulk storage, mine processing facilities, training facilities, meeting rooms, haul truck maintenance facilities, production enclosures, on-site dining, and so much more. Our fabric covered mining structures can be set up for temporary or permanent use. They are built to withstand the elements. Contact Accu-Steel to learn more about our mining buildings and structures. We look forward to helping you find the perfect building solution for your work site.

Calving Under Roof: How to Expand your Cow-Calf Operation Without Purchasing More Pasture

Expanding your cow/calf herd doesn’t have to mean purchasing more pasture

Aaron and Laura Cunningham of SkyView Farms knew they were ready to invest in a building to house their cow/calf herd during calving season. Because they were already practiced in calving under roof, they were looking for a building that was able to be retrofitted to specific needs and upgrades that would fit seamlessly into their existing operation.
 
The Cunninghams worked with their Accu-Steel dealer, Kelly Daniels of Hedgewood Equipment, to make sure they got exactly what they were hoping for. The Cunninghams invested in an Integrity Cattle building, but they didn’t stop there. Laura said “When we purchased the barn we realized we had some more decisions to make. We decided to invest in the gating because we wanted this to be a safe place that all our family could work in whether they’re 35 years old or 60. The other investment we made was calving cameras- they’ve saved us on hard-to-predict calving scenarios that happen in every herd. They are 4k cameras that zoom in with night vision–I can see a cow contracting without disturbing her. It’s awesome to be able to help with the calving process without disturbing them too much.”

Calving improvements

When asked about improvements they’ve seen in calf health since calving under their Accu-Steel building, SkyView Beef stated that “Weaning weights are about 80 pounds heavier than they were before. We can attribute that to the calves getting the best start they can in our building before going out to pasture-we don’t have to fight mud and rain and changes in temperatures. A great, healthy, dry start encourages calves to start growing and nursing right away”.

Labor and Time Savings

They spoke in depth about the time and labor savings they’ve seen since calving under roof in Northern Iowa. Aaron Cunningham mentioned “With this setup, we’ve got all of the feed and water out of the bedpack. We can scrape manure quickly to keep things clean and the bedpack stays cleaner and drier longer. This is all on a schedule. When you’re calving outside, your schedule is up to the weather. Inside, we know we’re going to be working every 3-4 days. We can be much more consistent and efficient.”

Advice for Those Interested

For people considering purchasing a similar building, the Cunninghams offered some advice. “Visit a barn, that helped us the most. Talk to people that manage those barns and ask them, ‘what would you change?’. As you tour barns like this, think about how it would fit into your farm and your structure. Think about things you want to make sure you do. There are lots of scenarios you might not think about until you think about how it’ll work in your farming operation.

Advice from a dealer

Dealer Kelly Daniels also offered up some advice. “It all starts with giving us a call so we can start discussing what your goals are. We can start with some draft layouts so you can decide where concrete will go, fountains, gates, etc, and make sure it’ll flow with how you want to run your operation. Then we can go look at buildings; we can send pictures and drawings to make sure your building is exactly the way you want it. We want to make sure it’s the way you like it from the start.”

To get started on a cattle building for your operation, visit accusteel.com or give us a call at 1-877-895-7298.

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