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We would like to build a new calf barn. What do you think of the solar barns? Does the floor need to be cement, or will dirt be fine?

Last Updated: September 28, 2007

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Solar barns in Canada and northern areas of the United States were popular in the early 1990s. The barns were warm and pleasant for the person working in the facilities. But ventilation was important to avoid excess heat and moisture. The floor (where manure will accumulate, assuming you are going to scrape this area) should be concrete (feeding area, waterers, and traffic pattern, etc.). If you use manure pack loose housing, the floor under the bedded pack can be dirt as long as it allows proper drainage. If you are using free stalls, then all the floor area must be concrete.

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