Action dairy barns are keeping progressive dairy farmers like Michael Armstrong ahead of the game with smarter land use, happier cows and easier herd management.
We recently caught up with Michael Armstrong of Kallista Holdings to learn about the impact his Action dairy barns have on daily operations.
Michael Armstrong Shares His Action Barn Experience
After being referred to Action by friends in the Western District, Michael recognised the advantages of Action’s in-house capabilities. This included manufacturing and installing the concrete panels.
Watch the video to learn more about the process and the benefits Michael is proving, such as labour savings and improved pasture management.
And read on to learn why the barn designs work and find a handy price if you are planning a similar project.
About Kallista Holdings
Kallista Holdings is a progressive, primarily pasture-based dairy farm at Korumburra, owned and operated by Michael and Brianna Armstrong. The couple milk around 1400 black-and-white (and happy!) cows here.
The farm, purchased two years ago, is just three kilometres from where Michael and Brianna have been share farming for 20 years.
Since taking ownership, investment in infrastructure to improve management and profitability has been a priority. The result? An impressive setup that reflects their passion for dairy farming and the calibre of their operation – and it’s paying off with labour savings and smarter land use.
Most recently, the Armstrongs expanded further, adding Orana Park, a 600-cow farm, to their operation, reinforcing their commitment to the dairy industry.
Project Overview
Size: 166m (L) x 24m (W) x 5.25m (H) loafing barn and 76m (L) x 24m (W) x 5m (H) calving barn
Configuration: One-sided with concrete panels, eave overhangs and partial gable infills
Capacity: Loafing barn comfortably accommodates 300 cows, or up to 380 cows if stocking at the highest density recommended in the Dairy Australia’s Housing Guidelines (10m² per cow).
Location: Korumburra
Build Date: 2024
Top 3 Benefits Of Action Dairy Barns For Kallista Holdings
With similar shed infrastructure on their share farm, Michael had clear expectations – and the barns delivered.
From labour savings to bedding management, here are the top three benefits of Michael’s Action Dairy barns.
1
1. Labour Savings & Peace Of Mind
One of the major benefits of loafing barns and calving barns is the ease of management – especially in either wet weather or a heat event (as proved by Lang Dairies).
This is simply because cows aren’t stuck at the back of a muddy paddock, nor are they bunching up in a heat stress response – instead, as Michael points out, “your cows are literally right where you want them.”
As Michael explains, this provides significant labour savings.
And easier management doesn’t just equate to less labour. It reduces the mental strain on dairy farmers, too. Both the calving barn and loafing barn provide Michael with the peace of mind and reassurance that his cows are safe and comfortable. (This is a sentiment echoed by Adam and Emma Pouw)
2
2. Protecting Pasture For Smarter Land Use
For a pasture-based dairy like Kallista Holdings, protecting paddocks is critical for maintaining pasture and ensuring the operation is profitable and environmentally responsible.
This is true in both wet and dry seasons. Korumburra’s average annual rainfall of 850mm can bog paddocks, with pugging a constant challenge in a wet year. In a drier year, protecting your feed supply becomes even more important.
And with land values increasing, smarter land management pays.
That’s where a loafing barn system proves invaluable – giving Michael the ability to take cows off pasture at the right time, before the damage is done.
3
3. Effluent, Stormwater & Bedding Under Control
Effluent management is an important consideration for a compliant barn system – and when managed correctly, it also delivers substantial operational benefits.
At Kallista Holdings, Michael Armstrong is seeing these benefits firsthand.
The nutrient helps the compost process, and any other effluent is captured in the pond.
Plus, there is also the advantage of being able to capture stormwater run-off from the barn roofs.
For example, the Michael’s loafing barn and calving barn could capture around 9,873,600 litres annually – based on Korumburra’s average annual rainfall.
Curious to know how much stormwater you could capture off your Action dairy barn roof?
Try the calculator below.
Rainwater Harvest Calculator
If you are wondering about the volume of rainwater you could potentially collect from a shed roof, use the stormwater calculator.
Top 5 Reasons Why The Action Dairy Barns Work
There are a lot of working parts to consider to ensure your barn project is a success, from the design of the barn itself to the site location and layout.
Here are the top 5 details that contribute.
1
1. Uses A Proven Standard Size
When it comes to barn design, sticking with proven dimensions is often the smartest move.
Michael’s barns use a 24m span, one of the most popular spans, and a cost-effective and functional choice for loafing barns.
Similarly, the 10 metre bay spacings are often considered best practice for barns, providing easy access, working well with formed up footings and allowing the barn to be converted to a freestall set-up in the future.
The result? A barn that balances cow comfort, functionality, and cost-effectiveness — and one that avoids unnecessary complexity in the build.
You can learn more about Action’s range of standard spans here – What Are The Standard Spans For Farm Sheds?
2
2. Balances Weather Protection & Airflow
Arguably, the two most important factors for barn design are weather protection and airflow. Get them wrong, and you’ll quickly see the negative effects in cow comfort and bedding management.
For an effective barn design, the local climate and site conditions need to be considered.
For example, in warm climate dairy farming areas, an open ridge vent is a recommended inclusion.
Michael’s Action dairy barns find the right balance by using:
- Steep roof pitch to promote airflow
- Side wall for weather protection
- One partial gable infill and one open gable with eave overhangs to regulate protection and airflow
Sometimes, it’s the smallest tweaks that deliver the biggest difference.
For example, halfway through the project, Michael decided to include an open truss in the gable infill.
This small detail improved air movement while still protecting the front of the barn — and Action’s in-house drafting and manufacturing meant the change was accommodated without slowing down the build
3
3. Has A Strategic Site Layout
The location and layout of your barns can be just as important as the design itself.
At Kallista Holdings, careful planning meant the barns are positioned to reduce costs and maintain milk production.
Here’s why the site location worked:
- Ensures proximity to the dairy (to prevent production loss from walking)
- Limited alternative site options close by to the dairy due to waterways and undulating land
- This site had a natural ~1.5% fall, which was ideal for flood washing the feed lanes and reduced earthwork costs
Although the recommended orientation for barns is usually east-west, Michael chose to run his Action dairy barns north-south.
Being located in South Gippsland, the advantages of an east-west roofline to reduce heat stress are less important. Instead, the barn designs include a western wall to protect from the prevailing weather.
Weighing up site options for your barn?
You may find this article helpful – How To Choose The Best Loafing Barn Site
4
4. Uses Lighting Effectively
Lighting is often overlooked in barn design, but it can make a big difference to management and cow performance.
Michael’s Action dairy barns use hi-bay lights to make for easier management first thing in the morning or late at night.
This is particularly valuable in the calving barn, as it allows Michael to monitor calving cows during the night in case they need assistance.
In a loafing barn, hi-bay lights can increase milk production, as leaving the lights on at night encourages the cows to stay awake and ruminate longer.
While skylights can be an option, Michael chose not to include them. This is because cows tend to avoid direct sunlight where possible, which can lead to bunching behaviour and cause challenges with bedding and fly bites.
5
5. Provides Ultimate Corrosion Protection
A new dairy barn can be a significant investment – and one that will be constantly exposed to effluent, moisture, and the general wear-and-tear of daily dairy operations.
That is why corrosion protection is essential. It pays for itself by reducing maintenance and increasing longevity.
Every Action shed comes standard with a fully hot-dip galvanised frame (both columns and trusses), and it’s never more valuable than in a dairy environment.
On top of that, Michael’s Action dairy barns include several recommended features.
- Concrete panels protect the cladding from corrosion and machinery damage, while also making it easier to clean out the bedding.
- Colorbond cladding adds a layer of corrosion protection (compared to standard zinc cladding) and is a smart finishing touch to complement the existing infrastructure.
Loafing Barn Price Guide
So, what does a barn system like this cost?
A similar loafing barn project in 2026 would cost approx. $490,000 – $620,000 including delivery, GST and installation.
Please note that this price guide does not include the cost of the feedlane.
This works out to be approx. $1100 – $1630 per head, based on stocking 380 cows.
The price for your barn project will depend on details like:
- Site conditions (earthworks, slope, drainage, access).
- Design choices (open ridge vent, panel height, gable infills).
- Fit-out (lighting, flood-wash systems, laneways).
- Additional infrastructure (effluent pond, laneway improvements, feed storage)
You may find this article helpful for your budgeting: How Much Does It Cost To Build A Loafing Barn?
Or for accurate pricing, simply submit a REQUEST A QUOTE form and we will be in touch!
Useful Resources
From smarter land use to labour savings, Michael’s experience shows how Action dairy barns can simplify daily operations and support a more profitable and sustainable dairy farm
Looking to implement a loafing barn system?
Book a consultation on 1800 687 888 for project-specific advice and best-practice recommendations.
