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.

Shelter for cows that supports better cattle control

Create safer, calmer environments with a purpose-built shelter for cows designed to improve herd movement and housing.

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Managing cattle efficiently isn’t just about fences and feed; it starts with the shelter they live in. Whether you’re rearing dairy or beef cattle, a purpose-built shelter for cows can make all the difference when it comes to controlling movement, reducing stress, and improving safety for both animals and handlers. In open, unstructured environments, cattle are more difficult to guide, more prone to injuries, and more likely to suffer from inconsistent welfare standards.

Purpose-built shelters are designed to help address these problems head-on. With designated entry points, internal layout flexibility, and weather protection, they turn daily routines like feeding, sorting, or medical checks into easier, safer tasks. You also get better visibility, improved containment, and calmer livestock behaviour, all of which result in fewer incidents and more productive farming.

McGregor’s Agri Span structure offers a re-deployable, modular option that gives UK farmers full control over their livestock housing layout. Built to support animal welfare and effective site management, it’s an investment in both comfort and control.

How can a purpose-built shelter for cows improve cattle control?

Improved visibility for handlers

Purpose-built shelters like Agri Span maximise visibility with wide-open spans and natural light-diffusing materials. This means farmers can easily observe cattle for signs of illness, injury, or distress. Better visibility enhances early detection and quick intervention, reducing the risk of small issues escalating into major problems. It also helps staff navigate the space safely, improving response times during emergencies.

Reduced cow aggression and injury

Stress from overcrowding, poor shelter design, or sudden environmental changes can lead to aggressive behaviour among cows. Purpose-built shelters reduce these triggers by offering spacious layouts and predictable routines. Clearly defined areas for feeding, resting, and movement help lower competition and anxiety, resulting in calmer herds. This leads to fewer injuries, improving welfare and reducing the need for medical interventions.

Safer working environment

Cattle handlers benefit from structured environments where movement can be anticipated and guided. With fewer blind spots and more controlled zones, the risk of sudden animal movements is reduced. Purpose-built shelters give handlers the advantage of fixed boundaries and designated zones, lowering the chance of accidents. This makes it easier to enforce safe handling procedures and ensures compliance with farm safety standards.

More efficient feeding routines

Feeding becomes easier and more controlled when dedicated lanes or enclosed feeding stations are part of the shelter design. Feed distribution can be managed systematically, with less pushing, waste, or mess. Purpose-built shelters help farmers reduce feeding time and labour, minimise competition among cattle, and ensure more consistent intake. Over time, this leads to healthier animals and improved weight gain or milk production.

FAQs

Is Agri Span suitable for large or mixed herds?

Yes, Agri Span is modular and scalable, making it suitable for small family farms as well as larger commercial herds. The layout can be adapted to suit various animal groupings and control needs.

Can the shelter be used for other livestock, too?

Absolutely. While ideal for cattle, Agri Span is also used for calves, sheep, and even poultry, thanks to its flexible configuration and welfare-friendly design.

How long will Agri Span last on a working farm?

With its MagnaTube frame and weather-tested design, Agri Span is built for durability. With proper maintenance, it offers years of reliable use, even under the daily pressures of livestock farming.

How does McGregor Agri Span support better cattle control with a shelter for cows?

A purpose-built shelter is only as effective as its design, and Agri Span is engineered to improve livestock control and handling at every stage. Built for real working farms and UK conditions, it provides both flexibility and long-term performance.

Modular format for layout flexibility

Agri Span’s modular system allows farmers to customise shelter configurations to match herd size, breed, and operational flow. Whether you need open-plan layouts or partitioned sections for calves or feeding, the structure can evolve with your farm. Adding or removing bays is simple, allowing you to respond to seasonal demands or herd expansion.

Designed for airflow and visibility

The structure is built to encourage calm, clean conditions. The stack effect circulates air through the shelter, reducing odours, airborne pathogens, and moisture. At the same time, the translucent roofing brings in diffused daylight, making it easier for cattle and handlers to see clearly. Good airflow contributes to healthier animals and safer operations.

Fast installation, ready when needed

Agri Span is manufactured in the UK and held in stock for immediate dispatch. Once delivered, it can be installed within three to four days, minimising downtime and disruption. Whether you need emergency shelter during poor weather or are upgrading facilities during calving season, Agri Span gives you the speed and reliability to take action without delay.

Re-deployable for seasonal or changing use

One of Agri Span’s key benefits is its re-deployable nature. Built with no permanent fixings and a straightforward construction process, it can be moved from one paddock or site to another without major cost or effort. This is ideal for rotational grazing, seasonal calving units, or short-term use cases where flexibility is essential for herd management.

Tested for UK weather and structural stability

Built to withstand the UK’s challenging climate, Agri Span is certified to BS 6399 and EN 13782 structural standards. It features a MagnaTube steel frame and weatherproof cladding that protects cattle from wind, rain, and snow. The shelter’s robust design provides peace of mind and ensures animal safety and comfort, even during extreme weather events.