What you need to know before building a hay shed and prices

When it comes to agriculture, one of the most important tasks you have is ensuring you have adequate storage for your hay. This is where a hay shed can help. Designed to protect your hay bales from the elements, this structure can offer a range of benefits to your farm. Below we delve into everything you need to know about hay sheds, including benefits and hay shed prices.

What is a hay shed?

A hay shed is a large, rural structure identifiable by its height and large storage capacity. When designed and built using high-quality materials like galvanized steel, a hay shed will resist extreme weather and protect your bales all year round. Hay sheds can also be for other purposes, such as storing farm equipment and even livestock when required.

Hay sheds are designed to be spacious, durable, and withstand the harshest weather conditions. They can also range in size from several hundred square metres to several thousand, depending on your needs. The most important thing is that the structure maximises the amount of hay you can store for the least dollar value, giving you a better return on your investment.

Benefits of a hay shed

Hay sheds are versatile structures that can serve a variety of purposes. While farmers use them to protect their hay bales from the elements, they can also be used to store other agricultural goods like grain, fertiliser, and machinery. They can also serve as a workspace for farmers to conduct repairs and maintenance on their equipment. The versatility of these structures makes them a valuable asset for any agricultural operation.

Another important benefit of hay sheds is their capacity to enable farmers to keep their goods close to hand, rather than transporting them off-site for storage. This saves time and money and additionally reduces the risk of damage to the goods during transportation. This is particularly important during busy seasons when the costs of transporting goods increase significantly.

However, the most significant benefit of hay sheds is their ability to protect your bales from the elements. When stored in a moist environment, hay can quickly become moldy and lose its nutritional value. Storing your hay in a high-quality structure that prevents moisture build-up and ensures proper airflow is critical. With appropriate ventilation, insulation, and roofing, your bales will be protected from spoilage and the even greater risk of spontaneous combustion. 

Hay shed prices

The price of your hay shed can vary based on various factors, including the materials used, the size and design of the shed, and its location. In most cases, a hay shed can cost anywhere from tens of thousands of dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Here are some estimates we’ve provided based on the work we have completed to date. All prices include GST and exclude installation costs, council permits, and concrete footing costs.

• Small to medium hay sheds: AUD$50,000 - $70,000*, based on an average size of 24m x 15m x 6m.

• Medium hay sheds: AUD$135,000 - $140,000*, based on the average size of 48m x 24m x 7.5m.

• Large hay sheds: AUD$150,000*+, for structures equal to or larger than 48m x 24m x 7.5m.
  
  

*Important notice: These prices are indicative and based on the specifications of a three-sided hay shed in Victoria. They do not include shed installation, council approvals, or footing concrete costs. At Central Steel Build we custom design and value engineer all projects according to your requirements.

A fit-for-purpose agricultural structure

Whether you operate a farm or are a business owner seeking additional storage for your machinery, a hay shed is a large, versatile structure that can be designed to suit your needs. By understanding the benefits and costs, you can make an informed decision that ensures your hay shed will provide a return on investment for years to come.

Are you looking to build a hay shed? With over 40 years in the industry, we have built a reputation for designing and building high-quality, long-lasting sheds. Contact our agricultural shed specialists today and get quoted for free for your next shed project here.