Site selection for farm building

Proper housing which is conducive to good health, comfort and protection from inclement weather and which would enable the animals to utilise their genetic ability and feed for optimal production.

•  For construction of farm buildings selection of site is most important. Before selecting a site the following points are to be considered,

Soil

•           Soil must be suitable for strong foundation.

•           Marcy, clay, sandy, rock soils are not suitable.

•           Loamy and gravely soils are best suited for building construction.

Availability of land

•           There should be vast area to construct all building and should give way to future expansion of farm.

•           Atleast 2-3 acre land is required for 200 cows accommodation.

•           For 2 cows 1-acre land is essential for fodder production.

Drainage system: Proper drainage of rain and subsoil water should be provided to keep healthy environment and to protect the building from dampness.

Availability of water: Plenty of water is needed for farm operations like washing, fodder cultivation, processing of milk and byproducts and for drinking. Hence a water source which provides water constantly is essential.

Electricity: It should be available at the site. It is needed for operating various machines used in the farm and is the light source to the animals.

Protection from wind and solar radiation: If the farm building in open or exposed area, the wind breaks in the farm of tall quick growing trees should be grown near the building.This will reduce the wind velocity and solar radiation.

Protection from noise and other disturbance:The farm site should be away from noise producing factory/chemical industry, sewage disposing area.The industrial effluents in the form of gaseous or liquid may pollute surrounding resources.Noise is also found to affect the animal production. Hence the farm should be away from city.

Availability of market facility:The farm should be away from the city but at the same time it should be nearer to city thereby the products produced from the farm could be marketed easily.

Transport facility:The farm buildings should be provided with good road and also have the accessibility to reach the market.This will reduce the transport cost and avoid spoilage of products.

Miscellaneous: Other facilities like availability of telephone, nearby school for children of farm workers, post office, shopping centre and entertainment facilities should be provided.