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.

Livestock polytunnels designed for welfare compliance

Protect your animals and meet regulatory standards with robust, welfare-focused livestock polytunnels built for UK farming needs.

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Animal welfare compliance is no longer optional; it’s central to sustainable and profitable farming. Across the UK, farmers are under increasing pressure to provide housing that not only protects animals but also meets strict welfare regulations. The 2023/24 reporting year saw a 36% rise in farm-related non-compliances, with lameness and poor housing conditions among the leading concerns. These statistics highlight the need for better housing solutions that actively reduce welfare risks while making compliance more straightforward.

This is where livestock polytunnels step in. Designed with welfare standards in mind, they create healthier environments, reduce stress-related illness, and improve overall herd and flock management. Unlike outdated or makeshift livestock housing, polytunnels combine durability, practicality, and animal comfort, ensuring farms not only avoid penalties but also improve long-term productivity.

At McGregor Agri Span, we bring over four decades of expertise to modern livestock housing. Our purpose-built structures are designed to help UK farmers achieve compliance while protecting animal health and simplifying day-to-day operations.

How can livestock polytunnels help farmers stay compliant with animal welfare regulations?

Protection from extreme weather

UK welfare regulations require animals to be protected from harsh conditions. Polytunnels act as reliable barriers against rain, snow, and wind, maintaining a dry, stable climate. By reducing weather stress and preventing illnesses linked to exposure, farmers avoid non-compliance issues and ensure livestock are sheltered year-round.

Dry bedding and reduced infection risks

Wet or soiled bedding often triggers non-compliance, as it increases mastitis, foot rot, and lameness. Polytunnels keep flooring and bedding dry through effective drainage and sheltering. Cleaner bedding not only meets hygiene standards but also creates a healthier, more comfortable environment that actively lowers infection rates.

Better light conditions for animal well-being

Animal welfare codes emphasise access to natural light to reduce stress and promote healthy behaviour. Polytunnels allow diffused daylight inside, creating a calm, well-lit environment. This supports natural activity cycles and better visibility for monitoring animals, helping farmers align with welfare requirements around lighting.

Flexible housing for different livestock needs

Animal welfare compliance requires adequate space and environments tailored to species. Modular livestock polytunnels allow expansion or reconfiguration for sheep, calves, or cattle. This flexibility ensures stocking densities remain within regulatory limits and welfare codes, avoiding overcrowding while supporting productivity.

FAQs

Do I need planning permission for a polytunnel on agricultural land?

In many cases, small polytunnels used for agricultural purposes do not require planning permission. However, larger or more permanent structures may fall under local planning rules. It’s best to check with your local planning authority before setting one up.

Why are polytunnels bad for the environment?

Polytunnels themselves aren’t inherently bad, but concerns arise when poor-quality plastic is used and not recycled, contributing to plastic waste. If well-maintained, durable covers are used and disposed of responsibly, polytunnels can actually reduce environmental impact by extending growing seasons and lowering food miles.

What should I do with an old polytunnel?

If your polytunnel frame is still sturdy, it can often be reused by simply fitting a new cover. Many farmers repurpose frames for storage or secondary shelters. If the structure is beyond repair, the metal frame can usually be recycled as scrap, while covers should be disposed of responsibly through recycling schemes rather than landfill.

Why are McGregor Agri Span’s polytunnels ideal for compliance?

Staying compliant with welfare regulations requires livestock housing designed for both resilience and flexibility. McGregor Agri Span combines proven engineering with farmer-focused design to ensure livestock housing solutions that support compliance and protect your animals.

Modular structures built for flexibility

Welfare laws stress adequate space and adaptable environments. McGregor’s modular structures can expand as herds grow, reducing overcrowding and stress. Farmers can configure them to suit specific species, keeping operations compliant and future-proof without investing in multiple permanent buildings.

Rapid deployment when it matters most

Non-compliance can arise suddenly during harsh weather or lambing. McGregor Agri Span polytunnels can be delivered and installed within three to four days, giving farmers an immediate solution to housing problems. This rapid deployment prevents breaches of welfare standards and protects vulnerable animals.

Re-deployable for evolving farm layouts

As farms change, housing needs shift too. Unlike fixed buildings, McGregor’s structures can be dismantled and moved to new locations without permanent fixings. This mobility ensures welfare standards are met wherever the livestock are, offering compliance-friendly flexibility across all farming conditions.

Robust protection tested to UK standards

McGregor Agri Span polytunnels are engineered and tested to meet BS and EN standards for wind and snow loadings. This means herds and flocks remain protected during the harshest UK conditions. By exceeding compliance benchmarks for structural safety, farmers gain peace of mind and reliable protection.

Animal welfare is at the core of design

McGregor’s structures are aligned with RSPCA welfare recommendations, featuring diffused light, stack-effect ventilation, and low-stress environments. These features support animal health and welfare, reducing compliance risks while improving productivity and animal performance across the farming year.