When we think of prefab steel structures, we associate them with high-rise commercial buildings and residences. Did you know that they have played an important role in revolutionizing modern agriculture as well?  Due to the numerous benefits they offer in agriculture, prefab steel structures have emerged as an efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditionally constructed agricultural buildings.

How are Prefab Steel Structures Used in Agriculture?

There are multiple uses of prefab steel structures in modern farming due to their versatility, durability, strength and flexibility in construction. Some of the common ways in which they are used are:

• To build processing plants for various agricultural produce including raw materials like cotton and sugarcane, livestock feed and agricultural end products like vegetables fruits, meat and dairy, 
• For the construction of storage warehouses for agricultural produce, fertilizers, equipment, or cold storage, 
• As sturdy greenhouses for growing plants in a controlled environment,
• For installation of farm sheds for sheltering livestock, hygienic milking of dairy animals, and as hatchery for poultry, 
• As administrative offices for workers and farm management.
• In modern agricultural models like vertical farming, hydroponic farming, cultivation of products like mushrooms that require a specially customized environment, barns for beekeeping, or retail shops for showcasing and selling farm products.

Advantages of Prefab Steel Structures for Farmers

When compared to traditional construction involving concrete and wood, constructing agricultural buildings using prefabricated steel makes better business sense as well as being faster to build and easier to maintain in the long run. 

Optimal Use of Production Space

Traditional construction activities take up a lot of productive agricultural space as materials need to be unloaded at the construction site and remain there for an extended period of time till the construction process is completed and the remaining materials are removed from the site. On the other hand, prefab steel components are designed and manufactured at an offsite factory location, and only the finished components are transported to the construction site for assembly. This ensures that much less space is taken up during construction as the components need not be stored, and the construction is completed much faster so the production space is available for agricultural activities much earlier. 

Easy to Clean and Maintain

With smooth steel surfaces, the prefabricated buildings are easy to clean and maintain on a regular basis, unlike traditional buildings. Also, the prefab steel structures are resistant to termites or insect infestations, thus helping to keep the stored agricultural produce, equipment and other products safe and free from damage. Long-term maintenance needs are also much lower in prefabricated steel buildings when compared to concrete buildings or buildings that use wood as a construction material.

Strength and Durability

Steel prefabricated components have a high strength-to-weight ratio, making them capable of bearing heavy loads. This makes them ideal for agricultural buildings which require large, open spaces to store heavy machinery and equipment as well as agricultural produce. Prefab structures made of light gauge steel framing (LGSF) are also capable of withstanding harsh weather elements and natural disasters, which is an important factor in agriculture. Steel is also resistant to moisture, which prevents the growth of mold which could damage agricultural produce. 

Flexibility and Customization

Prefab steel structures enjoy the advantage of being very flexible in terms of design, including expansion from an existing build. Agriculturalists will be able to enjoy the benefit of customizing the size, layout and interiors (including storage compartments) of the building according to their seasonal / crop-based requirements, thus making the building a perfect choice for the dynamic nature of the farming sector. Additional sections can be incorporated into the existing building seamlessly with minimal disruption to the existing workflow, making it a scalable solution for the needs of the business. The steel buildings can also be customized into spaces with controlled environments, temperatures, light/ventilation or humidity levels without any compromise in quality or efficiency of the build. 

Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness

Just like other modern businesses, modern agriculture also looks at including sustainable practices in its setup and functioning. Prefab steel structures allow the agricultural sector to adopt a sustainable construction solution that minimizes the carbon footprint and waste that goes to the landfill during the construction of a new building as well as during the dismantling or expansion of an existing building. 

Agricultural Buildings by Edge Neoteric Builders

Edge Neoteric Builders has built a reputation in the prefabricated steel construction industry as an experienced and reliable builder for various kinds of buildings including agricultural buildings. Using superior quality light gauge steel components, practical building designs, and well-defined construction techniques involving their unique QWIKNEXT construction methodology, the team at Edge Neoteric ensures that the agricultural buildings constructed in prefabricated steel are strong, durable, and stand the test of time while being able to seamlessly integrate the changing requirements of the business.