Ag Building Buildings
Agricultural Buildings Engineered for the Land
Protect your equipment, livestock, and harvest with post frame buildings designed for farms and ranches of every size.
Popular Ag Building Sizes
About Post Frame Ag Buildings
Post frame construction was born in agriculture, and it remains the gold standard for farm buildings. When you need to shelter a combine that costs more than most houses, store thousands of bales of hay, or house livestock through harsh winters, you need a building method that delivers enormous clear spans at an affordable price per square foot.
Agricultural buildings face unique demands. They must handle heavy snow loads in northern climates, resist high winds on open plains, allow natural ventilation for livestock and stored crops, and accommodate equipment that is wider, taller, and heavier than anything found in residential or commercial settings. Post frame construction meets all of these demands.
Our ag building designs feature clear-span widths up to 80 feet, eave heights up to 20 feet, and lengths that scale to match your operation. The monitor roof style — with its raised center ridge — is a popular choice for livestock and hay storage because it provides passive ventilation and natural light without mechanical systems. Ridge vents, cupolas, and open-eave detailing keep air moving through the structure.
Every PoleBarnes ag building package is designed for your specific location. We engineer for your county's snow load, wind speed, and exposure category. Columns are sized for the loads they carry, trusses are designed for the spans they bridge, and connections are detailed to current building code. You get a stamped plan set that sails through permitting.
Materials matter on the farm. Our packages use commercial-grade 26- or 29-gauge steel panels with 40-year paint warranties, pressure-treated columns rated for ground contact, and engineered steel connectors at every critical joint. These are the same materials used in commercial and industrial construction — because your farm deserves the same standard.
Configure your ag building online, choose your size, roof style, door placement, and color scheme, and get an instant estimate. When you are ready, we match you with a manufacturer in your area who knows agricultural construction and can ship your package to the farm.
Common Questions About Ag Buildings
What is the most cost-effective size for a farm building?
The sweet spot for cost efficiency is 60×120 feet or similar proportions. At this scale, you get maximum square footage per dollar because fixed costs (engineering, delivery, equipment mobilization) are spread over more area. Our Harvest 60×120 starts at $67,200, which works out to about $9.33 per square foot.
Do I need a building permit for an agricultural building?
It depends on your jurisdiction. Many rural counties exempt agricultural buildings from standard permitting requirements, but you may still need an ag exemption permit, a zoning approval, or a setback review. Check with your county building department. Engineer-stamped plans (included with every PoleBarnes package) make any required permitting smoother.
What roof style is best for livestock buildings?
The monitor roof is the most popular choice for livestock because the raised center ridge allows hot air and moisture to escape through ridge vents or open monitors, keeping animals comfortable without fans. For equipment storage and hay, a standard gable or single-slope works well.
How do I ventilate a post frame ag building?
Ventilation options include ridge vents, cupolas, open eave soffit, wall louvers, endwall vents, and mechanical fans. For livestock, we recommend a monitor roof with open ridge for passive ventilation. For hay and equipment, ridge vents and endwall openings usually provide sufficient airflow.
Can I add onto my ag building later?
Yes. Post frame buildings are highly modular. You can add lean-to extensions along any wall, extend the length by adding bays, or connect multiple buildings with covered breezeways. We recommend planning your foundation for future expansion from the start.
Ready to Build Your Ag Building?
Start with a pre-designed configuration or work with a designer to create something custom.