October 12 is the National Farmer’s Day! It’s a day dedicated to celebrating the incredible contributions farmers have made to our society throughout the years. This nationally recognized holiday, dating all the way back to the 1800s, pays tribute to hard-working growers that regularly toil to bring food to our tables. Most of the time, society seems to overlook the vast amount of effort that goes into farming. And one of the most overlooked farming communities can be found in the state of Florida.
When one thinks of a Floridian landscape, they probably conjure images of unending swampland and an abundance of airboats, alligators, and mosquitos. You probably wouldn’t guess that Florida is home to a booming agricultural industry with nearly 10 million acres of land used to produce food products. The sunshine state hosts a wide array of different farms, from citrus groves to cattle, tomatoes, sugar cane, and bell peppers. In fact, Florida ranked first in the U.S. for bell pepper production. These diverse crops all work together to form a significant portion of Florida’s economy.
Did you know that a majority of all new modern agricultural installations are made from steel? Across the United States, farmers, horse enthusiasts, and ranchers have discovered the incredible benefits that metal buildings provide. They’re stronger than wood. They last longer. And they’re cheaper to build.
What Does Florida Have to Do with Metal Buildings?
Florida is known for having a thoroughly inhospitable climate, where extreme humidity levels, flooding risks, and hurricane-force wind speeds are the norm. This means that if you’re going to put the time and effort into constructing a building in Florida, you had better ensure that it’s up to snuff. This is why metal buildings in Florida, the sunshine state.
Things to Consider when Buying an Agricultural Building in Florida
As a farmer, you need a reliable agriculture steel building that’s capable of standing up to heavy wear and tear. Farming can be a dirty job, and you want a building that isn’t easily damaged and doesn’t require a ton of maintenance. When buying a metal building for your farm or ranch, there are several important aspects you’ll want to keep in mind:
• Intended Use
You’ll need a good idea of how you intend to use your new metal building. By having a good concept of its intended use, you can customize your structure to meet those exact needs.
• Water Sources
It may seem obvious, but you’ll want to ensure that your build site is near your chosen water supply. It doesn’t matter whether your water supply comes from a well or a naturally occurring spring, you’ll want your new building located in convenient proximity to your water source.
• Future Modifications
When choosing your installation site and your building’s dimensions, you’ll want to pay special attention to any possible additions or upgrades you might want to make in the future. Planning ahead will ensure that those future projects run smoothly.
• Foundation Choices
Metal buildings are versatile when it comes to choosing a foundation type. These structures can be installed on dirt, asphalt, and concrete foundations. Regardless of your choice, you’ll want to make sure that your foundation is properly graded and level before installation.
• Natural Light
Steel buildings can easily be wired for lighting and electricity. However, taking the time to design your structure with plenty of windows and doors will introduce a ton of natural light to the interior space, reducing the need for extra fixtures.
• Ventilation
Regardless of your building’s intended use, you’ll need to make certain it has plenty of ventilation. Windows and doors do a great job of improving natural ventilation, but you might also want to consider adding actual ventilation systems to ensure that all areas of your interior receive plenty of airflow.
• Permits
When building any structure, it’s important to perform due diligence and contact your local building inspector prior to installation. These officials can help you figure out exactly which permits you’ll need for your building to be legal. By ensuring that your building is properly permitted, you can avoid fines and issues selling the property in the future.
Why Metal Buildings are the Better Choice for Agriculture
In what may seem like a giant match of rock paper scissors, steel buildings beat wooden alternatives at almost every turn. Out of the gate, steel buildings last longer and can be installed in a fraction of the time it takes to build a stick-built structure. But there are numerous other advantages that make steel buildings the clear winner over the competition. Let’s take a deeper look at some of them:
1. Longevity
Metal buildings are some of the longest-lasting structures on the market.
2. Cost
Compared to wooden structures, you’ll save tons of money in construction costs and reduced maintenance.
3. Natural Resistances
Metal buildings are constructed from galvanized steel, making them naturally resistant to moisture, rust, and even fires up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit! Let’s see a stick-built building stand up to those temperatures!
4. Size
One of the most beautiful aspects of metal buildings can be found in their design. These structures can be engineered at almost any size, making them the perfect choice for everything from small equipment sheds to enormous agriculture storage sites.
5. Sustainability
Originally, most agricultural structures were almost exclusively crafted from wood. These construction types have contributed to widespread deforestation. Steel structures, in comparison, have a much smaller carbon footprint. Additionally, raw steel is more easily sourced, and is 100% recyclable.
Metal Garage Central is the Prime Choice for Your Metal Building Needs
Florida is home to beautiful beaches, palm trees, and amusement parks. But it’s also home to a massive agricultural industry. From grapefruits to angus cattle, this sector has a diverse selection of products and represents a significant portion of the Floridian economy.
With miles and miles of flat land and rich, fertile soil, it’s no surprise that metal structures have risen so quickly in popularity. These metal agriculture buildings provide the benefits needed to succeed in the farming industry. Whether storing crop yields, grain, or livestock, farmers need a versatile, cost-effective building method.
And Metal Garage Central wants to be your number one choice for agriculture buildings. Our premium steel structures are designed to provide you with a lifetime of service while saving you money along the way. Whether you need a small metal carport or a large industrial warehouse, we have the skills and experience to get the job done correctly. Give us a call today at (980) 223-3072 and let our team of expert building specialists help you design your new agricultural building!