FARM STRUCTURES AND BUILDINGS

Learning Objectives: at the end of the lesson students should be able to :

1. Explain the term farm structure.

2. Discuss the uses of farm structures.
3. Differentiate between farm structure and farm buildings.
These are very simple buildings designed to serve a specific purpose on the farm so that farm operations are
more easily carried out and more efficient.
TYPES OF FARM STRUCTURES AND THEIR USES
Farm structures are classified according to their functions and uses
(a) Production structures-These are structures used for producing animals and tending crops under
controlled conditions. They include :
i. Grazing paddocks ii. Poultry battery cages iii. Poultry range shelters iv. Fish ponds
v. Rabbit hutches vi. Potting sheds for seedlings vii. Irrigation systems and dams.
(b) Processing structures- These are sheds constructed to accommodate processing machines like grinding
machine, oil-palm press, rice mill or feed-mills. They are structures constructed to speed up the processing of
farm produce. Examples are smoking houses, shelling or hulling barns.
(c) Storage structures- These are used for storing agricultural produce until they are sold or used for next
season’s operation. They include:
i. Silos :are large rectangular or circular farm structures used for storing grains. They are made of
galvanized metal or concrete and are usually expensive to construct.
ii. Cribs: are farm structures used for storing grains especially maize that is still on the cob. It does the
work of drying maize and storing at the same time, hence, the name ‘maize crib’. Cribs are made of wood and
wire gauze on the sides and floor, with a thatch or zinc roof. The gauze keeps away rats and rodents while an
insecticide is sprayed to prevent insect attack.
iii. Rhumbus: The rhumbus is an earthen container on a raised mud platform, the top is covered with thatch
or grass. It is used for storing grains such as maize, sorghum, millet etc.
iv. Barns: A barn is a temporary structure constructed cheaply with sticks, mud and thatch. It is used for
storing yams. Grasses and hay are also stored in the barn.
v. Feed mills: In large scale livestock production, feed mills are constructed to make animals feeds.
vi. Fences: are mostly made of bamboo, wire and planks, concrete, maize and sorghum stalks. Some farms
uses electrified wire to keep farm animals from damaging the fence. While some uses cassava sticks to make
‘live fence’ round their farm.
Purpose of fencing on farm
(a) To confine the farm animals on the farm where they can graze
(b) To protect crops and animals
(c) To prevent animals from destroying the crops
(d) They are used to mark out the boundary between one farm and another
vii. Canals and tanks: These are structures used for irrigating the farm, especially in the Northern states of
Nigeria, where rainfall is low and insufficient for low production of certain crops.
Irrigation canal are constructed to carry water from rivers, lakes or streams to the fields where crops are
growing.
Water tank: A water tank is usually installed on elevated or hilly ground within the vicinity of the farm.
The tank serves to irrigate the farm, and provide water for farm animals and farmers will need water if they
sleep on farm.
viii. Dams: A dam is a barrier made with stones, wood and mud, or concrete across a river or stream to hold
back water for irrigating crops and providing drinking water for animals.
ix. Animal dips: A dip is a depression made with concrete on the ground and used as a bath for livestock.
A solution of pesticide in water is poured into the dip and animals are made to enter and get soaked with the
content of the dip. The pesticide kills the ecto-parasites like lice and ticks on their body. Dips are used for such
farm animals as cattle, sheep and goats.
x. Compost pits: Waste pits are deep pits dug at the outskirts of the farm for disposal of all wastes and useless
products of the farm. The disposal pit is covered to prevent flies from carrying germs from the rotting waste in
the pits to human food.
FARM BUILDINGS
Farm buildings are needed in the farm to carry out certain aspects of production. Proper planning ensures that
the buildings that the building is exactly right for it’s function. They are needed to store expensive machinery
and tools, machine spare parts, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, fuels and harvested crops.
Farm buildings are necessary because :
1. The provide proper sanitary environment for processing and storing farm produce.
2. They protect farm workers and farm workers from adverse weather.
3. They make it convenient for the farm workers to care for the farm animals.
4. They protect farm supplies, products and animals and farm workers from thieves and farm animals.

TYPES OF FARM BUILDINGS (ASSIGNMENT)

Explain the following and give two examples of each
1. Temporary farm buildings.
2. Permanent farm buildings.
3. Production houses.
4. Point out six ways of maintaining farm structures and buildings.

Submission 23rd of September (Assignment should be done in your note)

Continue with your old Jss1 Agric note.