Needs + challenges
Stephen and Samantha Armstrong manage a 140-hectare dairy farm, with their children Archer and Georgie in tow. Starting small more than eight years ago, they have gradually built their stock and now milk more than 475 cows, with a view to ongoing growth. Stephen needed a new calving barn for the 2022 season – to expand operations and ensure stock comfort and wellbeing. Importantly, it needed the strength, size and flexibility to last. Timing was key, with the huge new structure needing to be fully functional within around three months from the first phone call.
Success made simple
The calving barn actually beat the tough deadline, and was fully functional in time for calving season to kick off. During the season, it proved to be a time, stress and sleep saver! Stephen says it removes the need to check stock overnight because they were happy, warm and dry. Outside of calving season, he
uses it to store straw and hay. The small trucks they use to move hay around stay dry in wet weather – and the shed’s height makes it “safe and simple” for the tractor to operate inside. Adding a canopy to the shed the following year, Stephen says if he had to do it all again, he’d do it with Bison.