A survey of farmers and barn builders has revealed that approximately 60 per cent of producers struggle with rapid deterioration of their barns and equipment.
Half of the respondents said their barn rooves and pen stalls are deteriorating too fast. Forty per cent said exterior walls and 30 per cent said ceilings, trusses and other stuff in attics are deteriorating too fast.
There were no reports of serious issues with partition walls between two rooms, manure and drainage system, and barn foundations, according to the survey conducted by the Prairie Swine Centre and the University of Saskatchewan.
Ventilation appears to be the cause of the rapid deterioration.
Often farmers turn down ventilation during cold and windy days, which leaves moist air circulating inside the barns.
