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8 Ways to Use Barn Curtains for Agriculture

Shield curtains can be used with agriculture in a variety of ways while keeping costs down and flexibility high. Buildings, pens and barriers are raised in an effort to divide or shield, but these are often expensive, time-consuming and are not easy to tear down and set up in other parts of the farm.

Shield curtains can protect animals and crops from weather, dust, predators and noise. They make pointed ventilation of storage areas and barns much easier, reduce heat from the sun, protect against predators, allow controlled ventilation in hot seasons, and more.

They can be used for livestock, poultry, grain, hay, greenhouses and keeping pests out.

The number of uses are staggering, though choosing the correct curtain is based on your farm’s structural needs and weaknesses. The most common agricultural uses for shield curtains include:

1. Dust protection. Dust inhalation is harmful for animals and people. Dust, fine sawdust, and loose particles from manure or old, dry animal feed can scar lungs, hurt breathing, and potentially cause cancer or other ailments. This can be especially dangerous for heavy work animals like horses, mules, and oxen.

2. Temperature control. Heat curtains installed inside of stables or storage buildings can save money on heating costs, especially during very cold weather. Restocking will save heat, and the added insulation is guaranteed to extend the life of your processor.

3. Protection against the elements. The sun and wind can bleach or damage materials, cause skin cancer, windburn and other problems to employees, animals and crops. Curtains allow for actual control, more so than doors and windows, which are inflexible and immovable. The sun can destroy storage facilities. Agricultural establishments often need temporary storage for materials like manure, animal feed and other materials. Curtains can be affixed to most structures, including barns, lean-tos and makeshift sheds.

4. Repair. This goes along with dust, but construction plumes more dangerous particulates into the air. Silicates, fiberglass and other raw materials can cause serious and immediate damage to the esophagus, nasal cavities and lungs.

5. Food growth and preservation. Air flow curtains and temperature tarps are great for poultry, hog farms and stables. They can be used to secure greenhouses to help grow plants. Methane gas can be diffused through the combined use of shield curtains and proper ventilation.

6. Mildew protection. Vinyl and PVC fabrics are low-maintenance and not as susceptible to mildew and mold growth. Mold and bacteria are incredibly important to control in produce and meat storage. Lofts store hay for months, and humid areas with south-facing windows can easily cause a product compromise.

7. Insect control. Bugs are ruinous to crops, stored products and building raw materials. Pests can irritate or spread sickness in livestock. Well-placed industrial curtains can cut down or eliminate regular infestations. Pinned curtains can also reduce problems with rodents.

8. Space control. Space customization is crucial; especially on meat farms. After slaughter, the amount of space utilized by farmers plummets. Feed, heating and protection needs decrease. Curtains are moveable, allowing farmers to adjust their space allowances with seasonal needs.

Contact Steel Guard to learn more about our unique solutions for your cattle, hog, or other livestock operation. We have more than 100 years of experience in helping organizations find ways to protect their investments with cost-effective and easy to install solutions.