New uses can transform underutilized ag buildings

By MICHEL ELBEN
Staff Writer

DOVER, Del. — Interested in finding new uses for old farm buildings?
“This is a common situation we see,” said Dr. Gregory Martin of Penn State University at the Delaware State University’s Profiting from a Few Acres Conference on Dec. 12.
Martin said those buildings could be increasing the farmers’ income by 50 percent, “money that goes back into the farmers’ pockets.”
Martin said existing poultry producers have a number of options available. The houses already have heating, lighting, and feeding equipment established.
One option is for “farms to come together to form co-ops. No single farmer could do the transition by himself but together they could do the whole process,” Martin said.
Others looking to diversify might capitalize on other areas of the farm.
In Lancaster County, Pa., Martin has often seen farmers rent out abandoned ag buildings for RV storage.
“They get rental money without the work,” he said. “They’re actually making the money per square foot.”
Martin has also seen buildings converted to shopping malls, like Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall in Lancaster, boat storage, and car dealership storerooms.
“Your property has value,” Martin said. “What are you going to do to capture that value back?”
Used chicken houses have been converted to stables (if they have attachments of land), loafing barns, salvage yards and bulk grain storage units. 
“All you need is a Jersey barrier – it’s a good alternative to putting grain in the open and you might help out another farmer,” he said.
Martin also advised farmers to think about the age of the structure.
“Tear down your building, especially if its under 10 years of age, steel is worth something to someone.”
Martin encouraged the audience to be stewards of the land and take the time to reclaim land\
“Before you do anything, check your permits and rework your mortgage,” he said.