Farm Storage Needs Assessment

Why do an assessment before building?

Storage is expensive, and the wrong building is hard to change. Many owners build a shed to fit the budget and then find it is too small, too far from the work, or unsuited to what they store.

An assessment lists what you will store, how much, for how long, and how often you need it. Even a simple notebook list changes decisions, because it separates what needs shelter from what can sit outside.

Put the list in writing and review it with anyone who works on the farm, since they often know about needs you have forgotten.

What do you need to store?

Group items by type: feed and hay, seed and fertilizer, tools and hand equipment, large machinery, fuel and chemicals, harvested produce, animal bedding, and household overflow. Each group has different needs for dryness, temperature, ventilation, and security.

Think about the seasons. Winter feed and summer equipment often compete for the same space. Note which items are used daily and which only once a year, because daily-use items belong near the work.

Remember to count empty containers, pallets, and spare parts, which take more room than most people expect.

• Feed and hay: dry, ventilated, pest-resistant
• Chemicals and fuel: locked, labeled, away from water and the house
• Machinery: out of weather, easy to reach
• Produce: temperature and humidity suited to the crop

How do you estimate quantity?

Estimate quantity from your own use, not from a book. Measure what you actually use over a month, scale it up, and add a margin. If you buy in bulk to save money, count the storage cost and the spoilage risk.

Ask local farmers and extension staff how much feed or hay a typical animal uses over a winter in your area. Rely on local experience, since feed quality, climate, and animal type change the answer.

Check your estimate against one bad year, such as a cold winter or a wet harvest, because storage built for an average year can be short in a hard one.

What about safety and security?

Fuel, pesticides, fertilizers, and veterinary medicines can be hazardous. Store them in their original labeled containers, away from children, animals, food, and wells. Your state department of agriculture and local fire department can explain the rules and safe practice for your area.

Think about theft and fire. Locks, lighting, and distance between buildings help. Keep a list of what is stored and photos for insurance. Never store gasoline in unapproved containers or near ignition sources.

Should you build, buy, or improvise?

Compare options honestly. A simple pole building, a used shipping container, a repurposed outbuilding, or a covered lean-to can each fit a different need and budget. Check local zoning, setbacks, and building permits before you decide, since many places regulate even small structures.

Used buildings can save money but may need foundations, repairs, and moving costs. Ask a trusted builder or an extension agent to look at any option before you pay.

Avoid putting valuable stored goods in a building that will need heavy repair soon, since moving everything twice costs time.

How do you keep storage organized?

A well-organized shed saves time and prevents accidents. Put heavy items low, keep walkways clear, and label shelves. Review what you have once a year and get rid of what you do not use.

Keep an inventory with dates of purchase, especially for chemicals and medicines, which can expire. Dispose of old or unwanted chemicals through your county's hazardous waste program instead of pouring or burning them.

What common mistakes happen with farm storage?

The most frequent mistake is building too small, followed closely by building too far from the work. A second is storing hay or feed where moisture reaches it, which causes mold and loss. A third is mixing chemicals and feed in the same space.

Another mistake is forgetting access. A shed packed to the walls cannot be used safely. Plan open floor space, and remember that a loader, a hand truck, or a wheelbarrow needs room to move. Leave a path for emergency exits as well.

• Do not build too small or too far away.
• Keep feed away from moisture and chemicals.
• Leave open space for moving things safely.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.