Five Key Uses of Concrete on a Farm

Farms, fields, crops, livestock and concrete might seem like an unusual combination, but the construction material is an integral part of any agricultural complex. Here Madmix, who supply agricultural concrete in and around Cambridge, identify five key uses of concrete on a farm.

For Vehicles

It is fair to say that the most farms make extensive use of concrete. This is because the typical agricultural vehicle, whether it be a tractor or combine harvester or something else, is very heavy.

Therefore, yards, paths and tracks (anywhere where a vehicle is likely to go) have to be able to cope with this weight. The same can be said for delivery vehicles, which could be even larger and heavier. You also need a firm surface to place your vehicles on overnight or for longer periods (i.e. off-season) which won’t deteriorate over time under the weight.

For Storage Areas

You want something that will provide a sturdy surface for crops, grain and other farmyard food that won’t contaminate them. Not only will concrete do this, it can be easily cleaned and won’t deteriorate when it comes into contact with chemicals. Concrete also provides a solid barrier and protection from insects and vermin that could eat and spoil your crops and feed.

For Other Heavy Loads

It’s not just vehicles that weigh a lot, other farmyard structures place a lot of demand on surfaces too. Concrete is an ideal surface on which to put slurry tanks,  silos and other integral features of a working farm.

As with the examples mentioned above, concrete is also fire-proof, so you are unlikely to suffer any damage in that way either. Concrete isn’t just good as a floor material, it makes for a strong, durable foundation or sub-base as well.

For Livestock Areas

As well as the durability and strength needed to cope with the weight of milking parlours, farmworkers and cows are unlikely to fall on a concrete surface. This is because a rough or brushed concrete surface will provide additional friction to protect your herd and staff. Concrete also has the added benefit that it won’t be damaged by effluent or urine, nor by the chemicals used to clean them away.

For Waterproof Storage Structures

Drainage channels, slurry storage channels, and other culverts and conduits will all be exposed to some sort of moisture on a regular basis. In these conditions, wood will rot and metal will rust over time, causing numerous issues and costs to what can be an integral part of your farm.

This is where concrete comes in.  Waterproof concrete is incredibly useful because many of these structures will be out in the open and exposed not just to moisture but also wide variations in temperature, which in turn creates the problem of freeze-thaw, both of which waterproof concrete can withstand.

Quality Ready-Mix Concrete from Madmix

Madmix provide accredited agricultural concrete for customers in and around Cambridge and the surrounding area. This includes fibre reinforced concrete for heavy duty purposes such as vehicles and other farm equipment and structures. This type of admixture contains polypropylene fibres which offer greater protection against moisture, cracks, shrinkage, abrasion, shattering and impact damage.

We also supply a waterproof concrete admixture from our base to customers across Cambridgeshire. This has a special agent added to it which will stop water from getting inside, lessening the likelihood of freeze-thawing. It also has a high water vapour resistance. In addition, we can supply a range of other admixtures for domestic projects as well as large-scale commercial ones.

If you would like to know more, click here and fill in the online contact form or call Kay on 01954 212212.