Sustainability isn’t just a trend in agriculture — it’s becoming a business necessity. With rising operational costs, climate unpredictability, and shifting regulations, modern farmers need solutions that perform long-term, both financially and environmentally. That’s where steel barns come in.
Cold-formed steel buildings are quickly becoming the structure of choice for forward-thinking farms and agricultural businesses. From livestock shelters to hay storage, equipment sheds to dairy facilities, steel barns offer the durability, efficiency, and sustainability needed to keep operations strong — and responsible.
Viking Manufacturing specializes in cold-formed steel structures engineered for longevity and customized for agricultural demands. In this blog, we’ll explore how steel barns support sustainable farming through reduced waste, lower energy use, cost-effective construction, and long-term ROI.
Farming isn’t what it was 20 years ago. Today’s operations face growing challenges:
Sustainability doesn’t just protect the planet — it reduces risk, saves money, and improves business resilience.
Wood barns may seem traditional, but they degrade quickly — especially when exposed to moisture, insects, or livestock waste. Steel barns, by contrast, are built to last.
Viking’s cold-formed buildings:
The result? Fewer replacements, less material waste, and a smaller construction footprint.
Steel is one of the most recycled materials on Earth. At Viking, we build using up to 100% recycled American steel, reducing demand for virgin raw materials and supporting circular construction.
At the end of your building’s life cycle, the components:
You’re building sustainability — literally.
Temperature regulation inside barns is critical — for livestock health, feed quality, and worker comfort. Steel barns support better energy efficiency when properly designed.
With Viking’s system, you can:
This translates into lower energy bills and healthier animals — a double win.
Unlike pole barns or masonry structures, Viking steel barns are fully customizable. Whether you’re running a small organic operation or a commercial-scale farm, our buildings can be tailored to:
Need to expand later? Our steel buildings can grow with your farm — without a complete rebuild.
Wood barns demand repainting, repairs, and constant pest prevention. That’s time and money you don’t get back.
With steel:
Your operation stays focused on crops and livestock — not construction upkeep.
One of our clients, a 1,200-acre hay and grain farm in California’s Central Valley, needed a solution to protect seasonal yield from weather damage and fire risk.
Their new Viking building included:
The structure protects over $350,000 worth of hay annually from sun bleaching and moisture — reducing waste and maintaining feed value.
Viking cold-formed barns offer a leaner, cleaner construction process:
Less time. Less disruption. Less environmental impact.
If you’re seeking LEED certification, NRCS grants, or ag-specific sustainability ratings, our steel barns make compliance easier:
Viking can coordinate with your sustainability consultants or help tailor specs to grant requirements.
Over 30 years, a Viking steel barn can save you $30,000–$50,000 or more, depending on size and energy use.
No matter the discipline, our team works closely with you to deliver a building that supports your passion — and protects your animals.
Let’s Build the Future of Farming — Sustainably Steel barns are more than buildings — they’re infrastructure for smarter agriculture. If you’re planning a new livestock barn, hay shed, or equipment shelter, Viking can help you build faster, save longer, and operate greener. Get a Free Estimate Today