Factors to be considered in site selection;

Security

Nearness to a source of water

Topography

Direction of the prevailing wind

Direction of the sun

Personal whims/tastes and preference

Nearness to means of communication.

Types of farm buildings

Houses for farm animals.

Stores for farm produce.

Stores for equipment, tools and supplies.

Buildings for growing crops e.g green house.

Building for processing plant e.g milk plant.

Parts of a building

The foundation,

The walls,

The roof

Include;

kingpost,

rafters,

struts, tie beam,

rafter batten

Include;

concrete floor, foundation wall,

PVC sheet (damp-proof course) the compacted fill (hard core).

Fences

Importance of Fence in a Farm

Keep out intruders to the farm,

Define the boundary lines of the farm.

Paddocking of fields to make rotational grazing possible.

Live fences serve as windbreaks.

Fences are used in mixed farmi ng to protect crops from. damage by livestock. Fences add aesthetic values to the farm.

It is easy to control breeding.

It is easy to isolate sick animals from the rest of the herd.

Types of Fences

Dead fences.

Barbed wire fences.

Electric fence.

Concrete fence.

Chicken wire fence (mesh wire fence).

Woven wire fence (chain link).

Wooden fence.

Fencing Practice

Materials include;

• wires,

• staples,

• nails,

• posts,

• droppers

• concrete materials.

Size of posts:

• General purpose 2.5m by 25cm in diameter

• Strainer units and corner posts 3m by 30cm in diameter:

Distance between the posts:

• 3m between posts, 10m if droppers are to be used.

• 200m between strainer units.

Depth of holes - 60cm.

Gate Posts, Gates and Strainer Units

Gates should be hung on posts separate from the fence.

Mechanical implements for example tractors require 4.0-4.5m width of gate. Entrance gates for pedestrians can be accommodated within the fence.

Steps in Fencing

Locate the corners

Clear the fencing area.

Mark gates, strainers, pass places and standards by pegging.

Dig holes to proper depths.

Fix the standard posts.

Firm around posts or apply concrete.

Fix wires on posts.

Fix the droppers.