How to Plan Agricultural Buildings

Contract the services of a farm planner. The U.S.Department of Agriculture and local governments provide free farm planning services to help you get the most out of your land. This includes advice on farming techniques such as rotational grazing and investment opportunities such as building a new compost facility.

Design the agricultural building and draw a site plan for the project. If you are not qualified to design it yourself, contract the services of an architect or use standard agricultural building designs. For instance, the University of Tennessee offers free agricultural building plans and equipment lists to farmers.

Calculate the actual cost of a new agricultural building and compare it to the benefits and savings it will generate. Convert the initial building and maintenance cost of the building into an annual cost. Remember to include depreciation, interest on loans, taxes and insurance expenses in your cost assessment.

Apply for a building permit. Agricultural buildings generally qualify for reduced fees and less stringent design standards. Although requirements change from one county to another, you will generally need an affidavit for application form, your property tax account number, a legal description of your property, a site plan, working drawings, a valuation and the registration number of the contractor who will do the work.