Shade for feedlots! It’s a hot topic – or a cool one depending on the climate.
With the Australian Lot Feeder’s Association’s (ALFA) goal to have shade in all feedlots by 2026, we are experiencing an increased demand for feedlot covers.
And it’s not just the industry expectations and obvious animal welfare benefits driving this trend.
Feedlot covers improve overall animal health and performance including maximizing weight gain.
And then there are other advantages including value-adding and cost-saving opportunities such as capturing stormwater run-off. Or repurposing the straw bedding as fertiliser.
The Jalna Feedlot operation is a prime example of how to capitalise on these opportunities.
It’s a win-win situation.
However, these projects can require a significant investment of resources, including time and money.
So, it’s understandable if you are weighing up whether the benefits outweigh the cost.
Budgeting for a feedlot cover project? Is a structural steel feedlot cover cost-prohibitive? What is the most cost-effective design?
Curious about the cost to cover a feedlot? Researching popular feedlot cover sizes and prices? Wondering how you can save money on your project?
Then this is the price guide for you!
Feedlot Cover Price Guide
In this price guide you will find:
- How Much Does It Cost To Build A Feedlot Cover?
- Popular Feedlot Cover Sizes, Designs & Prices
- What Influences The Price Of a Feedlot Cover?
- How Can I Save Money On My Project?
- What Is The Most Cost-Effective Design?
- Feedlot Cover Project Inspiration
- Useful Resources
Keep reading to find everything you need to know about feedlot cover prices.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Feedlot Cover?
Over the past twelve months, the average cost of a feedlot cover has been approx. $700,000 including GST, footings and erection costs.
This obviously covers a wide range of feedlot cover projects with varying sizes and designs.
For a clearer picture of how feedlot cover prices can vary, view the price list below.
Popular Feedlot Cover Sizes, Designs & Prices
Here are some of the most popular feedlot cover sizes and designs – and an indicative price range for each.
- A 40m long x 21m wide x 4m high feedlot cover (with a pop top ridge vent, an 18-degree roof pitch, a custom water catchment system and a 4-metre canopy over two bays for sheltered access) costs approx. $135,000 – $200,000 including GST, footings and installation.
- A 90m long x 27m wide x 5m high feedlot cover (with a pop top ridge vent cover, and 18-degree roof pitch and a custom water catchment system) costs approx. $300,000 – $400,000 including GST, footings and installation.
- An 88m long x 45m wide x 5m high feedlot cover (with a pop top ridge vent, an 18-degree roof pitch, a custom water catchment system and a 5-metre canopy on one side) costs approx. $540,000 – $710,000 including GST, footings and installation.
- A 136m long x 45m wide x 6m high feedlot cover (with a pop top ridge vent, an 18-degree roof pitch and a 6-metre canopy on one side) costs approx. $860,000 – $1,150,000 including GST, footings and installation.
- A 200m long x 45m wide x 6m high feedlot cover (with a pop top ridge vent, an 18-degree roof pitch and a custom water catchment system) costs approx. $990,000 – $1,320,000 including GST, footings and installation.
Please note, these price ranges are intended as a budgeting tool only and do not take the place of a formal quote.
For an accurate price please REQUEST A QUOTE or contact us on 1800 687 888. We would be more than happy to assist.
When budgeting for a feedlot cover build, it is also a good idea to have a clear understanding of what influences the prices – which is what we discuss next!
What Influences The Price Of A Feedlot Cover?
There are several key factors that determine how much a feedlot cover will cost. These include size, design, structure, materials and the complexity of the project.
The supplier you choose to use for your build will also influence the price.
We discuss each of these factors in more detail, below:
1. Size
The size of your feedlot cover will directly impact the cost of your project in two ways.
The first is simply because the bigger the cover, the more materials and labour that are required.
The second is because larger-scale projects typically have to meet more requirements such as fire design and EPA approval.
These requirements will involve additional paperwork and expenses such as large water tanks, which will increase the overall cost of your project.
Our building consultants and projects team are always happy to discuss what will be required for your project and can arrange permit documentation and fire design on your behalf.
2. Design
The configuration of your feedlot cover can impact how much you pay for your project.
For example, a longer configuration is typically more cost-effective than a wider design.
However, it is important to choose the configuration that will provide the best shade and shelter for your feedlot – rather than making purely financial-based decisions.
Similarly, the design features you choose to include on your feedlot cover will also increase the price of your project.
These could include skylights, custom water catchment systems and canopies over access areas.
Having said that, these design features make the feedlot cover much more functional and will usually more than pay for themselves in the long term.
A custom gutter system for water harvesting is an excellent example of this.
It is also important to remember that design features such as water catchment and ventilation are often requirements for the project to meet council and EPA approvals and animal welfare standards.
3. Materials & Structure
Materials are obviously essential to any construction project and therefore they are a key contributor to the project costs.
There are several material costs to be aware of.
The first is structural steel.
Structural Steel
Firstly, our sheds are manufactured from Australian-made steel including heavy-duty UB columns and open web trusses.
And while steel prices are lower post-Covid, Australian-made steel typically costs more than imported steel. (You can learn about 2023 steel prices, here.)
Keep in mind though, that Australian-made steel is the highest quality steel available due to the high standards and quality control in place in Australian manufacturing.
Similarly, the cladding on our shed builds is also Australian-made.
Cladding
The three cladding options we offer are zinc cladding, galvanised cladding and Colorbond cladding. Zinc cladding is the most cost-effective and is used for most of the farm sheds we build.
However, for your feedlot cover project, it may be a good idea to pay more for the galvanised cladding or Colorbond cladding options, as feedlots are typically a highly corrosive environment.
On that point, corrosion protection is incredibly important for feedlot covers. And the best way to keep your shed rust-free is to hot dip galvanise the frame.
Corrosion Protection
While hot dip galvanising is by far the most effective steel coating, it is also the most expensive, having a much higher initial cost compared to alternatives like paint or pre-galvanizing.
And, because our sheds are fully hot dip galvanized after manufacture, you can expect to pay more for an Action Steel shed than a shed with a paint or pre-galv coating.
Having said that, hot dip galvanising has the lowest long-term cost. And we don’t recommend compromising on corrosion protection!
Structure
When it comes to structure, remember, not all sheds are created equal!
As we have already mentioned, our shed structure is a heavy duty UB column and open web truss design. This is around 6 times stronger than a purlin shed structure!
4. Complexity
The complexity of your project can also impact the price you pay.
For example, if the new build has to join in with existing infrastructure or if there is limited site access, this will mean the construction tea, will be on site longer, making this component of your build cost more.
And for large-scale, complex projects, complete project management and trade coordination may also be necessary – and at an additional cost.
5. Supplier
The price of your project will largely be determined by the company you choose to build your feedlot cover.
And while the actual product is a major contributor to the cost, it is important not to overlook service.
Some suppliers will only manufacture the cover, leaving you to arrange permits, approvals and installation.
And as well as being additional costs, this takes up a lot of your valuable time – and time is money!
In contrast, Action Steel can work with you from start to finish. This means you will be aware of all the project upfront, allowing you to budget accurately and rest assured that every detail is accounted for.
So, that’s an overview of the main factors influencing how much it will cost to build a feedlot cover.
If you are working to a strict budget, here are some ways to save money on your build without sacrificing quality or functionality.
How Can I Save Money On My Project?
Looking to get the best value for your money? Wondering what is the most cost-effective feedlot cover design?
Here are some potential cost savings for feedlot covers that don’t compromise on quality.
1. Choose a Cost-Effective Size
While we could suggest building a smaller feedlot cover to save money, it is important to remember that there is a square metre per animal requirements that need to be met.
Instead, we suggest that you be smart about the size you choose.
One way to do this is to choose a standard size span.
Some span sizes are more cost-effective than others. This is because we work with a range of standard-size spans that are both practical and cost-effective.
Choosing a standard size span for your shed can provide a cost saving as a truss jig does not have to be set up specifically for your project. This saves both time and money in the drafting and manufacturing stages.
So, where possible we would recommend choosing a standard span for your project. But we do understand that these sizes won’t work in every situation.
2. Choose a Cost-Effective Configuration
Like choosing a cost-effective size, it is also a good idea to choose a cost-effective configuration.
As we have already mentioned, a long, narrow feedlot cover usually works out to be more cost-effective per square metre than a shorter and wider feedlot cover.
But it must be functional! Bad design costs money too!
Remember to choose a configuration that works for your feedlot operation.
Our building consultants are more than happy to discuss and quote various options for you. This can help you decide what is the best fit for your requirements and your budget.
It also helps you avoid the frustration of an ineffective and impractical design that will ultimately cost you more in the future.
3. Complete Your Project In Stages
While not exactly a cost saving in the long term, if you are currently limited by cashflow, a staged project could be an option for you.
And finally, number four – choose the right shed builder!
4. Choose The Right Supplier
Choosing the shed builder or feedlot cover manufacturer that is the right fit for your project can go a long way towards reducing project costs – and alleviating stress!
We would recommend building your shed with a company that can look after the complete project.
Here at Action Steel, we don’t just manufacture the steelwork for your feedlot cover. We also apply for the required council permits, coordinate the erection stage and project manage your shed from initial sign-up to completion.
With Action Steel managing all these steps, it means building a feedlot cover becomes a much less stressful and time-consuming experience for you. And time is money!
We hope you have found these suggestions helpful!
For ideas and inspiration for your build, check out the gallery and useful resources below.
Feedlot Cover Project Inspiration (Gallery)
Useful Resources
- What Is The ALFA Shade Policy Initiative?
- Do Cattle Need Shade?
- ALFA Shade Hub
- What Is Low-Stress Livestock Handling?
- Featured Project – Jalna Feedlot
- Half Round Gutter Versus Custom Shed Gutter (Which Is Best?)
We hope this article has helped you understand the cost to build a feedlot cover. For more articles like this, browse our Learning Hub.
Contact us to learn more about our product and service offering, and how we could work with you on your project.
Disclaimer: The prices included in this article are approximate only and are subject to change. They are intended only as a budgeting tool. For a more accurate costing, please request a formal quote
