building a hay barn

[Trisha in WA]

Our Costco carport finally gave up. So, we needed an inexpensive structure to store hay in. We really like the greenhouse design that we had modified for our dairy barn and decided to go with that again for this project only this time using the original design.
Day 1 was spent clearing the area we wanted the new structure. We had a wood pile there that had to be moved. Then we built all the trusses. We used metal tubing with a horseshoe welded to the bottom to anchor the corners. The whole structure will be bolted to those. I had taken pictures at the end of day 1 but the memory in my camera totally disappeared (wonder what else I lost that was on there.)
Day 2 we built the frame that would go all the way around the bottom and dug the holes for the pipes to go in the ground (we have lots of rock so you can't just drive them in)


We started putting up the trusses one at a time. The first one had to be braced diagonally and the rest would be tied to that one.


The battery on our cordless power driver gave out and Steve's drywall gun just wasn't doing the job. So, we called it a day.


We will be working on framing the end of the dairy barn that will become my milk processing room this week after Steve gets home from work since we have lights in the dairy. So, we'll get back to the hay barn next weekend with a fresh battery for the power driver.
So much to do...so little time....and energy!

[Cowman]

Hi Trisha,
Many thanks for sharing your new barn with us all, it looks like it will have the "Dutch Barn" half-round roof when it's finished, is that so ?
I never cease to be amazed by how hard you and Steve work, the dedication you have in this and your other enterprises show just how much care you give to your little family.
I really love the way you always manage to make use of old materials, your attitude to re-cycling is an example to us all !
Good luck, I can't wait to see the barn finished !
Jon

[Trisha in WA]

Thanks Jon.
You might call it a Dutch barn. It will have the same shape as the dairy barn that we have been working on.
We used recycled goods not only to keep them from the landfill, but because if we had to buy all new materials, we would never be able to afford to build many of the structures we need around here. So, in all honesty, it is in part with selfish motivates.    But no matter, it is still better for the environment. On the rare occasion that I have to make a trip to the landfill, I am always amazed at the things people are tossing...especially usable lumber! ACK! Makes me want to tell them to put it in my truck in stead!
Blessings,
Trisha

[Cowman]

Hi Trisha,
Drat ! You've thoroughly disillusioned me now, I thought it was all down to your green credentials, lol !
Never mind, Beans countdown thingy makes up for it.
Please lord . . .
Jon

[Trisha in WA]

Sorry to crush your image of me dear Jon LOL Don't ya love that count down? Scares the heck outta me though LOL
Today we finished the hay barn.
Here is the entire skeleton ready for our hay/truck tarp to be put over it.


And here it is with the tarp over it and tacked in place on both ends and sides. Steve is putting pallets in it right now and going to tie the pallets together and attach them to the structure so that it's all very solid...though it is already very solid. The tarp isn't the prettiest thing in the world, but it was free.

[Cowman]

Hi Trisha,
Many thanks for your latest photos showing the skeleton of your barn before and after, never mind what it looks like, the main thing is it works and as it's heavy 'tarp' should keep out even the worst of weather. Famous last words . . .
It's a credit to you both and a fine example of what can be achieved with a bit of ingenuity.

I know what you mean about Beans countdown, every day I look at it and think OMG, any day now !
Be nice to see how much if any, she has bagged-up, any chance please ?
Fingers crossed !
Jon

[Trisha in WA]

Funny you should ask about Bean bagging up. Steve and I noticed yesterday that she is starting to bag up a little bit. Her vulva is still normal size though, so we still have quite a ways to go I would say. I will see about getting some pictures up today.

[Cowman]

Hi Trisha,
Many thanks for the photos which I viewed and like you say there is a bit to go yet.
I really think she is in fine fettle but will be around for you just in case ok ?!
Take care,
Jon