Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Choose a building site that is high and dry.
Other buildings, trees, rocks, and slopes can also have an effect on your proposed build-
ing site. They can obstruct the light; change the flow of air, causing drafts, vacuums, or
drifting snow; and contribute excess runoff to the new building site. Also consider pro-
posed expansions to existing buildings.
Locate your buildings on dry ground, preferably high ground. Starting with as flat an
area as possible will lessen excavation or fill costs. Ideally there should be a 2 to 6 per-
cent slope away from the building in all directions for surface drainage. The building floor
should be 8 to 12 inches above the outside ground level. If the building is located on a hill,
you might need to dig a diversion ditch around the backside.
Ensure that there will be good subsurface drainage, especially for stall areas and runs,
by having the subsoil evaluated. For a barn site, sandy or gravelly subsoil is preferred over
clay or adobe soil. If necessary, have the critical areas of the site excavated. Refill the hole
first with large rocks, then small rocks, and finally road base or limestone. Let the site settle
for several months, or ideally a year, before beginning construction.
