What type of flooring is best for these livestock buildings?

The choice of flooring depends on the species, but concrete pads or well-compacted hardcore are common for easy cleaning and drainage. Ensuring a slight fall in the floor prevents moisture build-up and keeps bedding dry for longer periods.

How is air quality maintained in a fabric-covered structure?

The design allows for excellent airflow through eaves and ridge vents, which prevents the build-up of ammonia and heat. This natural ventilation is far superior to traditional low-roof sheds, significantly reducing the risk of pneumonia in young stock.

Can the interior layout be changed after the building is installed?

Yes, because the interiors are clear-span with no central columns, you have total freedom to move gates and pens. This allows you to reconfigure the space for different livestock or storage needs as your requirements change over the seasons.

Do these buildings require significant maintenance over time?

Maintenance is very low compared to timber or tin sheds. The steel is galvanised to prevent rust, and the fabric covers are designed to resist UV damage and tearing. A simple annual check of the tensioning is usually all that is needed to ensure longevity.

Are these structures suitable for extreme wind or snow loads?

Yes, each building is engineered to meet specific site requirements, taking into account local wind speeds and snow probabilities. This bespoke engineering ensures the building remains secure even in the most exposed Australian rural environments.

Protect young calves with a calf polytunnel

Create a dry, safe space for healthy calf rearing, whatever the weather, with a dependable calf polytunnel shelter.

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The early weeks of a calf’s life are some of the most critical for growth, health, and long-term productivity. Cold, wet, or poorly ventilated environments can lead to higher mortality, slower weight gain, and costly vet bills. That’s why a robust livestock housing system isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

For farmers rearing young calves, the goal is simple: keep them dry, warm, and stress-free. But in the UK, that’s often easier said than done. From driving rain and freezing winds to summer downpours and muddy paddocks, the environment works against you. A well-built calf polytunnel offers a reliable solution, combining shelter, airflow, and space into one modular structure that supports healthy calf development year-round.

McGregor Agri Span’s calf housing structures are designed to meet the needs of today’s farmers, providing rapid-deploy and redeployable protection that meets RSPCA welfare standards. We’ll outline the core ways a polytunnel helps keep young stock dry and safe, and how Agri Span brings these benefits to life on real farms.

How can a calf polytunnel keep young calves dry and safe?

Keeps bedding dry and calves warm

Young calves are highly susceptible to cold stress, particularly when exposed to wet bedding or low ambient temperatures. A polytunnel provides complete protection from the elements, keeping out rain, snow, and wind, while maintaining a dry, sheltered space inside. This helps prevent heat loss through damp straw or exposed skin, ensuring calves remain warm and comfortable. Dry bedding also reduces the risk of bacteria build-up, keeping calves healthier and lowering the likelihood of scours or respiratory issues that thrive in moist environments.

Prevents disease through airflow

Respiratory diseases are a leading concern in calf rearing, often caused by high humidity, ammonia build-up, and stale air in poorly ventilated buildings. A calf polytunnel designed with proper airflow in mind helps to combat this. The stack-effect ventilation system draws fresh air and pushes warm, moist air out, reducing pathogen load in the air while maintaining a balanced temperature. This continual exchange of clean air helps calves breathe more easily and grow without being compromised by respiratory illnesses common in unventilated spaces.

Protects against sudden weather changes

The UK’s climate can shift rapidly, with sunny mornings giving way to cold rain by afternoon. Young calves, still developing immune resilience, can be easily stressed by these changes. A polytunnel provides consistent shelter, creating a stable internal climate that shields against external fluctuations. This consistency helps calves adapt more smoothly to outdoor conditions while remaining protected from the harshest elements. The result is a space that ensures physical protection and reduced environmental stress, regardless of weather swings.

Simplifies mucking out and feeding

Managing a group of young calves involves daily routines that can become labour-intensive in poor weather. A calf polytunnel creates a clean, dry workspace where feeding, mucking out, and vet checks can be performed more efficiently. Feed remains protected from rain or wind, bedding lasts longer, and machines can be used without damaging sodden ground. For farms with limited labour, this improved ease of management reduces strain on staff and improves overall calf rearing consistency, especially during high-pressure periods like calving season.

FAQs

Is a calf polytunnel suitable for all-year-round use?

Yes, Agri Span polytunnels are designed for year-round use. With weather-resistant features and effective airflow, they keep calves dry and comfortable through winter storms and summer showers alike.

How fast can a polytunnel be installed on my farm?

Agri Span structures can be delivered from stock and installed within three to four days on-site. This makes them ideal for emergency housing, seasonal demands, or quick expansion when your herd grows unexpectedly.

Do I need planning permission for a polytunnel?

Planning permission requirements vary depending on location and use. However, many modular and re-deployable structures fall under permitted development. It’s best to check with your local planning authority for confirmation.

Why is McGregor Agri Span trusted for polytunnels?

Farmers need a housing system they can rely on, not just for today’s calves, but for next season’s herd and beyond. McGregor Agri Span has designed its modular livestock housing with real farm conditions in mind, offering flexibility, speed, and protection in one smart package. Here’s how its key features help farmers keep calves dry and safe in every season.

Expandable modular design for growing herds

Agri Span’s modular design makes it ideal for farms that are scaling or adapting operations. You can start with a single bay to house your current calf cohort, then expand the structure as your numbers increase. Unlike traditional buildings, there’s no need for a full redesign or permanent groundwork; simply link additional bays to your existing setup. This allows for strategic planning, with investment spread over time, making it far easier to adjust calf housing to seasonal patterns, herd growth, or market demands without waste or downtime.

Rapid deployment when timing is critical

In farming, speed matters with unexpected stock arrivals, sudden outbreaks, or weather damage to existing infrastructure. Agri Span is designed for these scenarios. Held in stock and manufactured in the UK, these shelters are delivered and assembled within days once on-site. For calf rearing, where timing affects health outcomes, this rapid deployment ensures you’re never caught short. It means you can act fast to house calves during high-risk periods, respond to seasonal pressures, or even meet new compliance requirements without long lead times.

Re-deployable to meet shifting farm needs

Few things stay the same on a farm. Agri Span’s re-deployable design ensures your calf housing doesn’t have to either. Built without permanent foundations or fixings, the polytunnel can be dismantled, moved, and rebuilt on a new site, whether that’s a different paddock, a leased field, or an entirely different enterprise. This flexibility is useful for farms with changing layouts, rotational grazing, or mixed-species operations. Your investment remains useful year after year, adapting to your farm’s changing rhythm instead of becoming obsolete.

Dry, breathable environment for calf health

Agri Span protects young stock by controlling moisture, temperature, and air quality. The combination of waterproof side skirts, a weather-resistant frame, and stack-effect airflow ensures bedding remains dry, condensation stays low, and air remains fresh. Unlike enclosed barns, this environment supports calf respiratory health, reduces bacterial growth, and aligns with RSPCA welfare standards. It’s not just about keeping rain out, it’s about creating a consistent microclimate inside the shelter that supports health and development from day one.

Proven expertise from trusted manufacturers

With over 45 years of experience designing livestock buildings, McGregor understands the realities of UK farming. That hands-on expertise is built into every Agri Span unit, from the materials selected to the assembly process and customer support. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all structure; it’s a purpose-built shelter engineered from decades of feedback from farmers just like you. When you choose Agri Span, you're not just buying a building, you’re investing in livestock housing designed by people who know what calves (and farmers) need to thrive.