A loafing barn system for Lang Dairies has minimised the stress on cows and made managing stress events easier for Markus.
We recently spoke with Markus to discover how they use the loafing barn – aptly referred to as the ‘comfort barn’ – to improve cow comfort and management.
Watch the video below to learn more about Lang Dairies and how they have successfully implemented a loafing barn system.
Then, read on for a project overview, design discussion and a helpful price guide for budgeting.
Markus Lang On His Action Experience & How The “Comfort Barn” Reduces Stress
After a positive experience working with Action to increase their on-farm storage, it was an easy decision for Langs to continue the successful working relationship.
With a clear vision for the barn and with cow comfort as the main objective, Markus had the ideas and worked with our building consultants to refine the design.
“It was a collaboration … they were there to facilitate what we wanted … and they had advice too.”
The project process was “straightforward” with the project team successfully delivering a major project for Lang’s dairy operations.
About Lang Dairies
Lang Dairies was established at Tatura in the early 1980s by Werner and Josie Lang, starting with 50 hectares and a herd of 90 cows.
Fast forward to 2015, second-generation dairy farmers, Markus and his brother Phil stepped into management roles, growing their family business to where it is today – 2,000 cows across three dairies.
The dairy where the ‘comfort barn’ is situated is milking around 900 cows on a grazing platform of 170 hectares, supported by outcountry.
Project Overview
Configuration: Roof only with gable infills, custom roof pitch and open ridge ventilation.
Size: 120m (L) with 1.5m overhangs to each end, 40m (W) with 2.5m canopies to each side and 6m (H)
Recommended Stocking Capacity: 480 – 600 cows depending on weather conditions and length of time.
Build Date: 2024
Location: Tatura VIC. View more Action shed builds in Northern Victoria, here – North VIC Farm Sheds Brochure
Project Goals & Objectives
As Markus mentions, the “comfort barn’ is first and foremost for the comfort of the cows.
Ultimately, the objective of the barn infrastructure is to minimise the stress on the cows – and on Markus himself, providing another tool to help best manage his cows.
“The main thing for us is that the cows are happier, and so are we.”
Having this infrastructure at their disposal allows Lang Dairies to predominately be a grazing farm and have the means to effectively manage periods of stress.
For example, in rain events when it is too wet to be grazing. Or in summer when it is too hot to have cows outside.
And other benefits go along with this:
- Increased milk production
- Improving pasture management by reducing pressure on paddocks and preserving soil structure
- Maximising production from limited land
- Protecting the business from staffing issues by improving working conditions and reducing labour requirements
Improving cow comfort, milk production, staff retention and pasture management – and doing it sustainably – are critical issues facing the dairy industry.
Read on to learn how the loafing barn system helps Lang Dairies address these points.
What Are The Benefits Of A Loafing Barn System For Lang Dairies?
Despite only having the barn operational for a relatively short period – less than twelve months – Markus wouldn’t look back; “it’s hard to imagine farming without the shed.”
1
Maximising Land Efficiency & Improving Pasture Management
Milking 900 cows on a grazing platform of 170 hectares – even with additional land to support this – Markus points out that Lang Dairies are running a relatively high stocking rate.
The barn now provides them with the space to effectively and sustainably manage a large herd on limited pasture – particularly in heat and rain events
The loading barn system also allows them to do what they do best – grazing grass – by reducing the damage to paddocks in both wet weather and hot weather and allowing faster pasture recovery.
For example, housing the cows in the loafing barn during wet weather reduces pugging and maintains soil structure.
Similarly, using the barn for shade reduces the pressure on paddocks from cows milling around in hot weather.
2
Improved Cow Comfort & Performance
In hot weather, cows bunching up in the paddocks is a stress response and a signal to Markus to bring the cows into the barn. Once in the barn, the contrast in behaviour is noticeable, with cows sitting down and chewing cud – and not expending energy to keep cool.
Instead, the energy can be reserved and channelled into milk production.
With maximising milk production a strong industry focus, Markus comments that there is “pressure on cows to perform.’
For Lang Dairies, the barn is an important management tool to reduce the impact of weather events on milk yields. This was a contributing factor to Markus’ decision to build a barn because “we can do something about it and it makes sense to do things about it.”
Even in the short time the loafing barn system has been implemented, Lang Dairies have seen a production increase.
So, cool cows and less stress is a winning formula for more milk!
3
Confident Cow Management & Decision Making
In the Winter months, taking advantage of the loafing barn system is as much about relieving the stress for Markus as it is for his cows.
The barn makes managing 900 cows after a significant rain event much easier. This also gives Markus the peace of mind and confidence that he has the systems in place to both effectively feed and house his cows in these conditions.
4
Sustainable Staff Retention & Increased Labour Efficiency
Using the loafing barn in extreme weather events eases the pressure on staff.
For example, in wet Winter months, they are no longer required to work in boggy pastures. This also makes caring for the cows easier, less labour-intensive and less time-consuming – improving labour efficiency.
Providing good facilities and working conditions is a proven and sustainable way to improve staff retention, help attract reliable labour and protect the business from labour availability issues. Combining this with a labour-efficient system is a win-win situation.
5
Stormwater Catchment Contributes To Sustainability & Profitability
Water usage and supply are common themes in discussions around dairy sustainability and profitability.
A loafing barn is one way to strategically manage a lack of water availability and usage in dry years. For example, a loafing barn can be used for short-term housing, reducing the need to maintain pasture in a dry season.
Lang Dairies’ loafing barn also provides an excellent opportunity to capture and use stormwater runoff. For example, based on Tatura’s average annual rainfall of 480mm, the barn roof could capture 2,656,800 litres per year.
Use the calculator below to see how much stormwater your barn roof could capture.
Rainwater Harvest Calculator
If you are wondering about the volume of rainwater you could potentially collect from a shed roof, use the stormwater calculator.
Why The Project Works
A successful loafing barn system hinges on the initial project planning and design.
Best-practice barn orientation and a design that addresses airflow, weather protection and corrosion protection all contribute to the success of Lang Dairies’ loafing barn.
Here’s an overview of the details that create a cost-effective, functional loafing barn design that prioritises cow comfort.
1
Tried-And Tested Sizes
Contributing to the functionality of the loafing barn design is the use of tried-and-tested sizes.
The 40m span, 10m bay spacings and 6m height are popular options for barn projects and have been proven to work well.
For example, the 40m span is a great way to future-proof your barn design. This is because the width works well for converting your barn into a covered feedpad or contained housing in the future.
Similarly, the 10m bay spacings work with standard bunk sizes – as well as being cost-effective and providing good access and airflow.
And 6m is the recommended height for a barn. This is because it provides adequate clearance height for machinery access and effective airflow. The height also provides good value for money as 6m is a standard Universal Beam length. This means you aren’t paying for any offcuts of steel.
Pictured below are a recent calving barn project and a covered feedpad project that use these tried-and-tested sizes.
2
Cost-Effective Canopy & Eave Overhang
Cantilevered canopies are the number one farm shed design inclusion – and barns are no exception!
This is because canopies are a cost-effective way to gain additional coverage and can be used to prevent inconvenient column placement.
Canopies over feed bunks are also a great way to reduce feed wastage and spoilage – and work well over water troughs too.
2.5m canopies to each side are a smart addition to the Lang Dairies’ loafing barn, providing extra weather protection from the prevailing weather. For the same reason, Markus incorporated a 1.5m eave overhang to each gable.
3
Open Truss, Steep Roof Pitch & Custom Ridge Vent
The 18-degree roof pitch and custom ridge ventilation system are a winning combination, working together to pull air through the barn. This effectively removes heat and ammonia build-up and – most importantly – keeps the cows cool.
The open truss in the gable infill is a standout feature of the design. This helps to achieve the ideal balance of weather protection and airflow – and it looks good too!
4
Formed Up Footings
Markus’ attention to detail is evident in his loafing barn design. The open truss is one example – the formed-up footings are another.
The footings have been formed up 300mm with poly pipe. This provides an additional layer of corrosion protection, maximising the longevity of the galvanized footing cages.
Formed footings also provide separation between the column and the bedding. Formed footings can also be used to minimise the risk of injury to the cows, such as hoof damage.
5
Best-Practice Barn Orientation
Finally, but perhaps most importantly, Lang’s loafing barn uses the recommended east-west barn orientation.
This is the recommended orientation because it allows effective cross-ventilation, reduces direct sunlight in summer and helps keep the bedding dry and reduces mud in the winter months.
Choosing the correct orientation is particularly important in wet weather or hot climates.
For example, an east-west orientation reduces the amount of direct sunlight in the loafing area.
This helps reduce cows bunching up because when heat stressed, cows avoid brightly lit areas and will seek out shaded sections.
Considering implementing a loafing barn system? Working on your budget and weighing up the numbers?
Below we have provided an approximate price guide as a starting point for your budgeting.
Project Price Guide
Details such as 10m bay spacings, canopies, standard 6m height and a roof-only configuration all help to create a cost-effective barn design for Lang Dairies.
In 2025, a similar project would cost approx. $620,000 – $770,000 including GST and installation.
This works out to be approx. $1,000 – $1,300 per head – based on a short-term stocking rate of 8 square metres/cow.
The price for your loafing barn project will depend on details such as site location (this is because delivery and concrete costs vary between locations) and how you choose to customise the design.
For accurate pricing for your project, call us on 1800 687 888 – or submit a REQUEST A QUOTE form and we will be in touch.
And for all the inspiration you need, check out the gallery below!
You might also find the articles and information below helpful for your project planning.
Useful Resources
- National Feedpad & Contained Housing Guidelines (PDF Download)
- How To Choose The Best Loafing Barn Site For Your Dairy
- What Is The Best Loafing Barn Orientation?
- Adam & Emma’s 24m Span Loafing Barn (Video)
Should You Build A Loafing Barn?
Asked about the role loafing barns will play in the future of the dairy industry, Markus concedes each dairy will go on their own development journey. However, the addition of a barn has been a positive step forward for Lang Dairies.
For Lang’s, the loafing barn system has become an important tool in their dairy management toolbox.
As well as improving cow comfort and pasture management, the system provides options, relieves stress and reduces the pressure. This is particularly valuable when managing cow welfare in rain events and hot weather.
Another advantage of the system is the flexibility. A loafing barn can be easily adapted to suit your dairy farm’s unique operational requirements such as cow numbers. Or repurposed for calving or contained housing if your requirements change.
If you are considering implementing a loafing barn system, look at the management system as a whole and have clear operational objectives. These could include improving cow health, eliminating stress, increasing milk production and/or reducing the number of labour units required.
It is also worth considering the flow-on effects of the benefits. For example, improving working conditions and animal welfare, and taking advantage of the shed roof to capture stormwater. These benefits all play a role in strengthening the sustainability, social license and profitability of your dairy. And the wider dairy farming industry benefits too.
Loafing barn project on the cards?
Looking to implement a loafing barn system for your dairy? We hope this project has provided food for thought and inspiration for your loafing barn journey!
Our building consultants are also available to provide project-specific advice and best-practice recommendations.
Call us on 1800 687 888 to schedule a consultation with our team to get your project planning underway!
