VERONA, WI –Cleary Building Corp. is proud to announce it is starting its 49th year…
The Modern Farm Building
Where Storage, Repair, and Business Overlap
As farm equipment continues to increase in size, value, and complexity, proper machinery storage has become an essential part of running an efficient operation. A well-planned machine shed protects equipment, reduces downtime, and helps maintain long-term value. From basic storage buildings to fully insulated farm shops, the right structure supports productivity year after year.
Machinery Storage
At its foundation, a farm building must protect valuable equipment. Covered machinery storage improves reliability, reduces weather-related wear, and increases trade-in value. Preventive maintenance and minor repairs are also more likely to be completed when equipment is housed in a dry, accessible environment
A recent survey of 24 machinery dealers in the Midwest found that they typically allowed farmers 10-15 percent more on trade-in of tractors and tillage implements and up to 25 percent more on planters, drills, and harvest equipment that had been housed. (Purdue University Extension: AE-115 Paper)
Many farmers discover that machinery storage alone quickly expands into something more—especially when repairs and seasonal preparation enter the picture.
Repair and Maintenance
Most farmers service their equipment themselves and many do what repairs they can. It pays to have a decent place to work on machinery. A modern farm shop is essentially a commercial grade service and repair facility, no different than a local machine shop or car repair business. A dedicated repair space saves time, reduces downtime, and allows problems to be addressed before they become costly failures.
“Storage also saves money by reducing repairs and time in the shop. Machinery stored inside had 7.6% downtime, while un-housed equipment was down 14.3% of the time it should have been working. Parts such as belts, tires, and hoses deteriorate rapidly when unprotected and on Midwest corn and soybean farms, equipment “downtime” is expensive—estimated to be as high as $600/hr during planting season.” (Purdue University Extension: AE-115 Paper)
A functional farm repair space typically includes:
- Heating and insulation for year-round use
- Adequate lighting and electrical service
- Space for welders, compressors, hoists, and tools
- Layouts that support routine maintenance and seasonal prep
Many Cleary machine sheds incorporate a heated shop at one end of the building, allowing equipment to move easily from storage to service without leaving the structure.
Farm Business Operations
As farms grow, the building often becomes more than a storage or repair space—it becomes part of the business itself. Record keeping, equipment manuals, crop planning, and daily decision-making all require a quiet, functional workspace.
Modern farm buildings increasingly include:
- Finished office areas with internet access
- Space for equipment records and service manuals
- Break rooms or locker areas for hired help
- Showers and changing areas for long workdays
Combining business space with storage and repair reduces unnecessary trips between buildings and keeps farm operations centralized.
A Building That Works as Hard as You Do
A modern farm building doesn’t have to choose between storage, repair, or business use. When all three are considered together, the result is a flexible, efficient structure that supports the entire operation.
By bringing machinery storage, maintenance, and farm management under one roof, an all-in-one Cleary farm building helps farmers protect their investment, reduce downtime, and stay focused on what matters most—keeping equipment ready and the operation moving forward.
Talk with a Cleary Building Specialist
Start planning your machine shed or farm shop with confidence. Contact your local Cleary Building specialist to discuss door options and building design.