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.

Are traditional cattle housing types holding you back?

Explore how modern modular livestock housing can offer better conditions, greater flexibility, and long-term savings for your farm.

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Cattle housing is a critical part of any livestock operation, directly influencing animal welfare, productivity, and operational costs. For decades, farmers have relied on traditional cattle housing types, such as timber sheds, brick barns, or steel-frame units, to meet their livestock’s needs. While these methods may be familiar, they often come with limitations, such as poor ventilation, inflexible layouts, and high maintenance demands.

In contrast, modern modular livestock housing solutions like McGregor Agri Span are quickly becoming the preferred option for forward-thinking farmers across the UK. Offering adaptability, faster setup, and improved animal welfare, modular housing systems are engineered for the challenges of modern farming. Whether you're growing your herd, adapting to changing weather conditions, or aiming to boost productivity, modular shelters can deliver significant improvements.

We compare traditional cattle housing systems to modular alternatives, highlighting the key differences and benefits. If you're considering an upgrade, this is your opportunity to explore why more farmers are making the switch to modern livestock housing and how McGregor Agri Span could be the right fit for your needs.

Why do traditional cattle housing types fall behind modern solutions?

Limited flexibility in design

Traditional cattle housing types are typically fixed in size and layout, making it difficult to adapt to changing herd requirements or farming practices. Whether you're growing your operation or experimenting with different stock rotations, rigid designs can slow you down and cost more in retrofitting, leaving little room for futureproofing.

Higher maintenance costs

Older cattle housing often relies on outdated materials like timber and galvanised sheets that are prone to rust, rot, and general wear. These systems require regular upkeep to remain functional, costing farmers time and money. Over a decade, the hidden costs in maintenance, repairs, and downtime often outweigh the initial lower build cost.

Poor airflow and ventilation

Most traditional cattle housing systems weren’t designed with modern livestock health standards in mind. Poorly ventilated shelters increase humidity, which can end up leading to respiratory diseases and high vet bills. Without proper airflow, the indoor climate becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, creating long-term health risks for your herd.

Vulnerability to weather extremes

Many older cattle housing types don’t meet modern structural standards and aren’t built to withstand unpredictable UK weather. From winter storms to summer heatwaves, traditional materials and poor insulation can lead to uncomfortable, unsafe, or even dangerous conditions for livestock, directly impacting farm productivity and animal health.

FAQs

Is modular livestock housing suitable for year-round use?

Yes. McGregor Agri Span structures are designed for all-year use. They provide excellent protection from the elements, strong ventilation, and the ability to manage temperature and moisture levels, making them suitable for continuous livestock housing.

How long does it take to install a modular cattle shelter?

Agri Span shelters can be installed in as little as three to four days after delivery. This rapid deployment is especially useful when farmers need housing quickly due to emergencies, expansion, or seasonal shifts.

Can Agri Span shelters be moved to a different site?

Absolutely. One of the key benefits of Agri Span is its relocatability. The structure can be packed down, moved, and reassembled on a new site without the need for permanent fixings or specialist construction teams.

How McGregor Agri Span makes the transition worthwhile

Transitioning to modular cattle housing is more than just a building upgrade; it’s a shift in how you manage your herd, your time, and your long-term investment. Backed by decades of agricultural expertise and built to suit UK conditions, Agri Span is a smart, future-ready option for progressive farmers.

Modular design that scales with you

Agri Span is built to grow with your farm. Its modular architecture means you can add new bays or units as your needs change, without starting from scratch. Whether you're raising more cattle, trialling new stock types, or shifting toward year-round housing, the system offers design freedom and predictable expansion costs.

Built for rapid deployment and use

When time is of the essence, whether due to weather damage, sudden stock growth, or a new farming contract, Agri Span offers a fast solution. Held in stock and manufactured in the UK, these buildings can be on-site quickly and fully assembled in as little as three to four days, minimising disruption to your farming operations.

Easy to relocate or repurpose

Agri Span shelters are engineered without permanent fixings, allowing for rapid disassembly and relocation. This is ideal for seasonal stock rotations, leasehold farms, or changing paddock layouts. The structure packs down efficiently, and the straightforward assembly instructions mean you’re never tied to a single site.

Designed for animal welfare

Agri Span creates an environment that supports livestock health. Natural diffused light reduces animal stress, while its unique stack-effect ventilation system promotes airflow and keeps moisture levels low. These features align with RSPCA guidelines and contribute to healthier herds, fewer illnesses, and better growth rates.

Backed by agricultural expertise

McGregor has been designing agricultural buildings for over 45 years, with deep insight into what UK farmers need. That expertise is embedded in every Agri Span unit, from the way it’s engineered to how it’s supported. You’re not just buying a structure; you’re partnering with a team that understands real-world farming.