Looking to get the most out of your farm shed investment and make every dollar count? A multi-use shed is a proven way to create a versatile asset, providing excellent value for money and allowing you to respond to changing operational requirements and market opportunities.
Multi-use sheds are proving to be smart investments for cropping enterprises across Australia, reflected in recent projects such as John Bennett’s versatile hay shed (learn about the project here) and Darcra Farming’s impressive bulk storage shed (learn about the project here).
More recently, Spicer Farms has continued the trend and invested in a grain/fertiliser/machinery shed that is delivering value and versatility in spades.
If you are looking to achieve this with your project, this article covers the key details that contributed to the success of the project.
We have also included a handy price guide and useful resources to help you with your project planning and budget.
Read on!
Multi-Use Shed Project Overview – At A Glance
Size: 51m (L) x 24m (W) x 7.5m (H) with 12m skillion
Capacity: Approx. 1,500 tonnes of grain or fertiliser (depending on the product being stored)
Location: Warmur VIC
You can learn more about Action farm sheds built across the Mallee here – Mallee Farm Sheds Brochure (PDF Download)
Build Date: 2024
So, why does this shed work so well?
Hint: It all starts in the project’s planning and design stages, which we cover in detail below.
6 Reasons Why This Multi-Use Shed Works
Let’s break down why this design delivers …
1
Standard 24 Metre Span & Open Gable
The 24-metre span is easily the most popular option from the standard range, and for good reason: it hits the sweet spot of functionality and cost-effectiveness.
It is also a versatile option, working well for hay sheds, grain sheds and machinery sheds – making it an ideal starting point for a multi-use shed.
This has certainly proven to be the case for Spicer Farms’ project, with the 24 metre span used here with an open gable design to provide a cost-effective wide opening.
This works out to be more cost-efficient than upsizing bay spacings or creating a double bay opening with a girder truss.
Incidentally, this is also the most cost-effective way to store long machinery. Win-win!
An open gable also allows the full length of the shed to be utilised, helping to ensure that there is no wasted storage space.
2
Drive-Through Skillion
A drive-through skillion is a smart addition to this multi-use shed design for several reasons.
Firstly, the skillion can be used as a handy maintenance area.
Long term, this could be repurposed to a dedicated workshop to create a machinery shed/workshop set up.
Secondly, the skillion provides a machinery storage area that can be used when the main storage area is being used for short-term grain storage or fertiliser storage.
This helps prevent contamination and corrosion by maintaining separation between the two storage areas.
Finally, the drive-through functionality helps keep the machinery accessible.
This links with our next point – smart sliding door placement.
3
Smart Sliding Door Placement
Access can make or break a shed, and the sliding door placement here helps set this project apart.
Firstly, the sliding doors in one gable end mean the shed provides all the benefits of a drive-through shed, without the risk of creating a wind tunnel.
Sliding doors have also been used between the skillion and the main storage area.
This makes moving machinery between the areas easier and more practical. It also helps prevent any smaller pieces of machinery from getting stuck in the middle and having to move the rest of the machinery to access it.
4
Concrete Panel Storage Area
On-farm fertiliser storage and short-term grain storage are a major part of the multi-use shed trend, with most builds featuring concrete panels.
This is for all the reasons mentioned earlier – value for money, flexibility and opportunities.
For example, the storage area could be used at harvest for short-term grain storage to allow the headers to keep harvesting, rather than being delayed by receival sites.
Similarly, the storage area allows fertiliser to be bought and stored ahead of cropping, avoiding both delays and price rises.
Plus, movable L-wall panels can be used for segregating different products such as urea, MAP or DAP, contributing to a versatile set-up.
You can learn more about the benefits of a fertiliser shed and how to maximise your ROI here.
5
Standard Spacings
Creating a cost-effective and practical shed design is the first step to achieving value for money, whether it is a multi-use shed or a dedicated, standalone facility.
One of the ways this can be achieved is with standard bay spacings, such as the 8.5 metre bays used here. Choosing a standard spacing saves time in the drawing, engineering and manufacturing stages, saving you money.
In particular, the 8.5 metre bay spacing is a smart choice as it uses the same amount of purlins in the roof as an 8 metre bay spacing. In other words, you get more length for your money.
6
Accessible Site
Spicer Farms’ project is a textbook example of an easily accessible farm shed site.
This allowed the installation stage to progress smoothly and will contribute to safe and efficient logistics year-round.
You can learn all about the importance of farm shed pads here – Farm Shed Guide: Ideas, Sizes & Prices
Plus, the Action custom gutter system directs the storm water away from the shed pad, keeping the site accessible and reducing maintenance costs.
So, that’s an overview of six details that contribute to Spicer Farms’ successful multi-use shed.
Planning a similar project? Starting a budget and curious about costs?
Read on for a price guide – a ballpark figure to help you budget.
Project Price Guide
A multi-use shed project like this would cost approx. $450,000 – $550,000 including GST, installation, L-walls for segregation and a concrete slab to the grain/fertiliser storage area.
Please note that this is an approximate price guide only – it is intended as a budgeting tool and does not take the place of a formal quote.
The pricing for your project will depend on details like location, concrete slab size and the design features you choose to customise your shed.
For accurate pricing on your project, reach out to the team on 1800 687 888. Or simply submit a REQUEST A QUOTE form, and we will be in touch – we would love to hear from you!
Project Gallery
Helpful Resources
- Storage Calculators
- 2025 Machinery Shed Guide (PDF Download)
- How To Create A Versatile Fertiliser Shed
- 5 Smart Concrete Slab Ideas
- Standard Fertiliser Shed Range (PDF Download)
We hope this project has provided you with food for thought and ideas for your multi-use shed!
Ready to get started? Reach out to us on 1800 687 888.
