Farm Structures and Building – JSS2 Agricultural Science Lesson Note (First Term)

Farm structures are simple erections on the farm site that make farm operations easier and more efficient.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define farm structures and farm buildings.
2. List examples of farm structures.
3. Describe the six types of farm structures.
4. State the types of farm buildings and their uses.
5. Explain how farm structures are maintained.

What are farm structures?

Farm structures are simple erections on the farm site that are used for growing and harvesting crops and raising livestock.

• Barn: a building for storing crops and equipment or sheltering animals.
• Cold storage: a cool room that keeps crops grown or raised on the farm fresh for longer.
• Riding arena: an open area or riding academy for training and riding horses.
• Slaughterhouse: a place where animals are killed and prepared for meat.
• Hay or feed storage: a store that keeps animal feed dry and safe.
• Feed or hay shelter structure: a cover that protects feed from rain and sun.
• Livestock shelter or shade structure: a cover that protects animals from rain and strong sun.
• Loafing shed: an open-sided shed where animals rest freely.
• Poultry coop: a small house for keeping birds.
• Farm equipment storage: a place for keeping tools and machines.

What is the difference between farm structures and farm buildings?

A farm structure is a simple erection on the farm, while a farm building is a bigger and more elaborate erection built for a particular purpose.

What are the types of farm structures?

There are six types of farm structures: production, shelter, processing, storage, utility and maintenance structures.

They are classified according to their functions and uses.

1. Production structures

Production structures are structures that help production processes on the farm.

• Poultry battery cages: cages in which laying birds are kept in rows.
• Fish ponds: water-holding basins for raising fish.
• Rabbit hutches: small houses for keeping rabbits.

2. Structures for shelter

Shelter structures are simple buildings put up at different points on the farm for rest during heavy rain or strong sun.

• Use: they protect workers and animals from rain and intense sun.
• Extra use: they are sometimes used as temporary storage.

3. Processing structures

Processing structures are designed and built to speed up the processing of farm produce.

• Smoking houses: used to preserve produce such as fish and meat by smoke.
• Shelling and hulling barns: built to house machines that remove shells and husks.
• Machine sheds: house grinding machines, feed mills and rice mills.

4. Storage structures

Storage structures are used to keep produce until it is sold or used as inputs in the next planting season.

• Silo: a tall container for storing grain.
• Crib: a raised, ventilated store for maize cobs.
• Barn: a large store for crops, feed and equipment.
• Granary: a store for threshed grain.
• Yam barn: a frame where yam tubers are tied and stored.

5. Utility structures

Utility structures are structures that supply services such as water to the farm.

• Wells: holes dug to reach underground water.
• Canals and irrigation channels: carry water to crops.
• Pumping houses: shelter the pumps that lift and move water.

6. Maintenance structures

Maintenance structures are structures used for keeping farm tools and machines in good working order.

• Workshops: places for repairing and servicing tools and machinery.

What are farm buildings?

Farm buildings are bigger and more elaborate erections that are designed and constructed to serve different purposes.

What are the types of farm buildings and their uses?

There are four types of farm buildings: living houses, production houses, storage houses and special shelters.

1. Living houses for the farmer and workers

• Use: they give accommodation to the farmer and workers.
• Advantage: living on the farm allows close supervision of crops and animals.

2. Production houses

• Use: they are buildings in which crops or animals are produced.
• Examples: poultry houses, hatcheries and pens.

3. Storage houses

• Use: they store farm tools, feeds, chemicals and fertilisers.

4. Special shelters

• Milking parlour: where cows are milked.
• Sick bay: where sick animals are treated.
• Isolation shed or quarantine house: keeps sick or new animals away from healthy ones.
• Abattoir and slaughterhouse: where animals are slaughtered for meat.

How are farm structures maintained?

Farm structures are maintained by checking their condition regularly so that they stay stable and safe.

• Regular repairs: mend wear and tear as soon as it is noticed.
• Painting: paint wooden and metal parts that are often exposed to rain.
• Wood preservatives: apply them to protect wood against insects such as termites.
• Regular inspection: check roofs, walls, floors and fences for damage.

Evaluation

1. What are farm structures?
2. Name the six types of farm structures.
3. List four examples of storage structures or storage houses.
4. State the uses of any two types of farm buildings.
5. Give two ways of maintaining farm structures.

Assignment

1. Write short notes on production structures and processing structures, giving two examples of each and explaining why paint and preservatives are used on farm structures.