v '. MODERN BARNS J.E.PORTER CO. OTTAWA. IIA.U.SA. The efficient barn A Book of Service iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii mi i iiiiiiiiiiypiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiirniiiiiiiiiTT 1 == H n HlllMiUlllllHlllHH lliMMlMI.IllllllllllllllllIll J. E. PORTER COMPANY OTTAWA, ILL., U. S. A. FREE PLANNING SERVICE HE average dairyman or farmer builds one barn in his career. It is policy then to give such a building calling for an expenditure of several thousand dollars, and which is to serve one or more generations, something more than casual consideration. The purpose of this book, which is issued in conjunction with our free planning service, is to furnish the farmer and contrac¬ tor with practical information on the subject of new and re¬ modeled barns. We have endeavored to present the funda¬ mental principles in a definite and clear manner, and it is hoped that interested parties may derive some good from our efforts. This plan book will appeal to the farmer, since it enables him to more readily determine the size and general characteristics of the barn he proposes to build. It will like¬ wise be of value to the contractor or carpenter, for he is vitally interested in anticipating the wants of the farmer and becom¬ ing familiar with modern methods and practice. By referring to subsequent pages, it will be noted that the complete detailed drawings of a practical, sanitary barn are shown. This particular building will obviously not meet the needs of all farmers, but from the data submitted, the problem of the new barn and its equipment is greatly simplified. All conditions relating to floor plan arrangements cannot be cov¬ ered in this book; we, however, show the plans of several barns of various sizes which will assist in a general way in deter¬ mining the space required to house the stock in the most economical and practical manner. We maintain a department which renders free service in the nature of detailed blue prints, these being prepared from information submitted on special blanks, which are furnished on application. Our reason for using a standard blank is to facilitate matters, since in order to give intelligent service and suggestions, we must have the complete data regarding the barn. There is absolutely no obligation or expense involved, and owing to the varied and practical experience our experts have had in designing barns for all localities, you are assured the most modern and efficient methods. The floor space will be utilized to best advantage and your own ideas will be incor¬ porated if desired. Mistakes are not easily rectified after the barn is under way, and these are eliminated if sufficient thought and attention is given the plans before the actual work of construction is under¬ taken. It is reasonable to think that our men can assist you materially in this work, and you need only to ask for the information. A knowledge of conditions and requirements enables us to offer many suggestions which mean much to the man who uses the barn. When desired, we furnish complete plans with bill of mate¬ rial, there being a reasonable charge commensurate with the labor required to prepare them. A large number of such complete plans are on file, and all details covering the construc¬ tion have been carefully considered. It will pay you to investigate this planning service, and we repeat that no obligation or expense is incurred by so doing. We solicit the opportunity of serving you and invite your inquiries. J. E. PORTER COMPANY, OTTAWA, ILLINOIS, U. S. A. THE NEW BARN fundamental points requiring consideration in build- , J ing a barn are as follows: The location, size and arrange¬ ment; proper drainage facilities; practical construction, abun¬ dant light and adequate ventilation; labor-saving and sanitary equipment, and, finally, the accomplishment of these with the minimum expenditure. The first thing to be decided upon is the location of the barn. It is important that the site selected furnishes an opportunity for surface water to escape quickly. No building should be constructed without careful study being given the question of proper drainage, and this is extremely necessary in connection with a barn. Many diseases on the farm are traced directly to contaminated pools of water in the barnyard. Sanitation is receiving more and more attention, and there is little excuse for unsanitary conditions, owing to the authentic data avail¬ able for all farmers. When possible, there should be sufficient space between the various buildings to reduce the fire hazard to a negligible quan¬ tity except in the case of a high wind. The arrangement should be compact, however, since much time can be saved in going from one building to another. Care should be exercised not to use more land for buildings than necessary, the reason for this being obvious. The size and floor plan arrangement are largely determined by the owner, although the numerous plans in another part of this book will assist in this respect. Local conditions must be considered, but our planning department can render many sug¬ gestions of value which are appreciated by both owner and contractor. The plank frame construction is becoming more popular each day, and there are several excellent reasons for building in this manner. First, a saving in the cost of lumber is pos¬ sible, since two-inch planks cost considerably less than heavier timbers; the roof can be made self-supporting, thereby elimi¬ nating many heavy braces which interfere with haying; last, the building can be completed in considerably less time than where the heavy frame method is used. The trusses are built on the ground and later raised in posi¬ tion with the aid of a gin pole. The number and size of these depend, of course, on the size and height of the barn. Each truss is complete in itself, and the various timbers should be carefully bolted and spiked together. Detailed drawings,, are shown on page 19 , which will indicate the method of framing a barn of this character. Some builders may prefer the braced rafter construction, wherein each rafter is braced and forms a truss in itself. We advocate the use of steel columns to support the hay mow floor, and are prepared to furnish these in various sizes and lengths. Such columns are exceedingly strong, very sani¬ tary, and exclude less light and air than wood supports, since they can be smaller in diameter to support the same load. In the case of dairy barns, these columns harmonize with sanitary fixtures, and therefore are desirable from this stand¬ point. Our experts will cheerfully furnish assistance regarding any phase of your new or remodeled barn, and such aid places you to no expense. Write in detail, or, better still, ask for an inquiry blank which indicates the data we must have VENTILATION N adequate means of removing foul air and replacing it with properly diffused pure air is now recognized as essen¬ tial in barns containing livestock. Oxygen must be supplied in sufficient quantities, and the waste gases containing excess moisture must be exhausted from the building. With this as an established principle, the problem confront¬ ing the contractor and farmer is to determine what degree of ventilation is necessary and how to accomplish it in a practical manner. The first point to remember is that warm air rises and will, therefore, be found near the ceiling of the barn. In order to retain the heat in the winter, the incoming air should enter at the ceiling and thus be tempered before reaching the animals. By referring to the opposite page, these fresh-air registers and ducts will be noted, the arrows indicating the direction the current of air takes. The flues which convey the impure air from the barn should be as nearly perpendicular as possible, of proper size, and so located that they insure complete ventilation with no dead air spots. All fresh and foul air flues should be lined and made as nearly airtight as possible. We believe that better results are obtained when the cows head in than when they face the outer walls, since the foul air flues can be placed at proper in¬ tervals along the side walls; in the other case, these flues can only be situated at the two ends of the building, unless floor space is sacrificed for them in the center of the barn. This is a matter for the owner to decide, and both methods are shown. In determining the total area of foul air flues, allow one square foot for each four cows or three horses. In other words, if the barn is to house twenty-four cows, the combined area of foul air flues should be six square feet. From this amount determine the number of flues desired, observing that each ventilator has a capacity of two foul air flues, provided the latter are placed one on either side of the barn. The flues should ex¬ tend to within eighteen or twenty-four inches of the floor, and the net area must be con¬ stant. The combined area of the fresh air registers should be ten percent more than the total area of foul air flues. Determine this amount and then decide on the number of registers, as also the size of each. These can be ob¬ tained either square or rectang¬ ular in shape and in practically all sizes. The fresh air registers should be distributed along the sides of the barn, the distance between them not exceeding fourteen feet. A common size register is 8x12 inches, although conditions will and size to be used. Be particular in figuring the ventilation system, since nothing is more disheartening than a new barn with inadequate ventilation and its resulting bad effects. Send us your ventilation problems, and we will gladly assist you in securing an efficient installation. <» PORTER VENTILATORS Sizes, 20", 24", 27", 30", 36" (Give Pitch of Roof in Ordering.) determine both the number Page Four PORTER jcg. c.i.cm ucpoH Cro66 6ectwH .siwmhc VenjilmioH dY«Y[0"i Page F*ve PRACTICAL AND SANITARY BARN EQUIPMENT HE barn on an up-to-date farm is the workshop of the dairyman or farmer, and as such must be conveniently arranged and contain modern and efficient equipment. It is important that this equipment be of a strictly practical nature so that it may reduce the operating expense to the minimum, and enable the stock to give best results. Steel barn fixtures require no more skill for installing than do the cumbersome and unsanitary devices made of wood. No carpenter will dispute the statement that steel equipment is vastly more durable than wood, and at the same time more pleasing in appearance. Furthermore, the increased sani¬ tary conditions obtainable, the permanence of the outfit, the better light and ventilation, all are points which the farmer of today must needs consider in order to be on equal footing with his neighbor. Labor is a very important item on the farm, as elsewhere; therefore, any equipment which causes a reduction in this ex¬ pense is necessarily an asset of the most valuable kind. By using modern fixtures, the animals may readily be kept in a healthy condition, due to the increased comfort and more sanitary conditions made possible. Estimate what this means in actual money value, since science has demonstrated that unsanitary conditions breed disease and are directly re¬ sponsible for an annual heavy loss in stock. Porter barn equipment excels in two important features. Each item is essentially practical and simple in construction and operation, and the sanitary requirements have been greatly anticipated. By eliminating adjustable devices and attach¬ ments and carefully studying actual conditions as encountered on the farm, we are able to produce equipment which is at once recognized as the truly serviceable type desired by all dairymen and farmers. Words in themselves mean but little; however, this statement carries a forceful meaning, due to the hundreds of installations over the country which demonstrate in daily use the reliability and genuine worth of Porter goods. Naturally, there are cheaper barn fixtures on the market. We realize this fact, but prefer to maintain the high quality of both materials and workmanship in Porter equipment, know¬ ing that this policy is appreciated by discriminating customers. In purchasing any commodity, the first cost is necessarily im¬ portant, but of far greater importance is the knowledge that real saving is effected by specifying the best from the point of subsequent results as well as the initial expense. Our special catalog devoted to PRACTICAL BARN EQUIPMENT is furnished free upon request, and we invite your careful inspection of the equipment, which is fully illus¬ trated and described. The cuts are made from actual photo¬ graphs and clearly show the clean-cut simplicity in design, which accounts for satisfactory service. A number of installa¬ tions are shown on page 32, and you may gain an idea of the appearance of your barn when properly fitted with Porter equipment. Write today and investigate the possibilities which await you. We manufacture a complete line of Haying Tools and Barn Door Hangers, and catalogs will be mailed promptly to inter¬ ested parties. The many desirable features which distinguish Porter Barn Equipment will also be found to prevail in these products. CONCRETE HE value of concrete in modern building construction cannot be too highly estimated. Needless to say, the many advantages this macerial has over that which was pre¬ viously used for the same purpose, long since attracted the attention of farm contractors, with the result that they are using it in all new and remodeled barns. Concrete is sanitary, permanent, economical and easy to handle; this knowledge naturally is of interest to the practical builder. The method of making concrete foundations, piers, etc., is clear to all contractors who use this material. The standard cow stall floor is something different from the ordinary prac¬ tice, and a few words of explanation will doubtless not be amiss. Fig. 688 shows a cross section of the stall, and the dimensions are clearly indicated. The platform usually is four feet six inches in length for an average dairy cow, although this may be lengthened or shortened as necessary to meet the needs of the particular animals confined. The customary mixture for the concrete is 1:2:4, being relative parts of cement, sand and stone or gravel. When clean gravel is used contain¬ ing sufficient sand, six parts may be used to one of cement. Cork brick are frequently used for the stall floor, these being resilient, waterproof and warmer than the concrete. The feeding passage should be nine inches higher than the stall floor, since it is considerably easier to feed from this height than on the level. In making an installation of stall fixtures, the first operation is to assemble the various pieces of tubing, fittings, etc., according to detailed blue prints, which are furnished with the equipment. This is a simple matter, since the fittings are readily clamped in their proper positions. After carefully lining up the stalls, build the wood forms for the curb, etc., taking care that proper allowances are made for finished work according to blue prints. Usually the curb is poured first, Bottom ef top ran ' 1 s Fig. 688. (Toy&e). Standard Cow Stall Section the manger, gutter and stall floor following in the order de¬ sired. The main point, however, is to have the stalls perfectly aligned and braced before filling the forms with concrete. A permanently satisfactory job is thus assured, and no part of the stall is strained or weakened. Page Seven Page Eight ozat Barn - Cows Nradrd In. 32 f i. Barn- Cows Mead£d Out. Page Nine 34 f i Batn-Cows Htadtd Out. Page Eleven 36£T.BAF?N-CoWS N£AD£DIN. Page Twelve 36fi Baw- Cows Headed Our Page Thirteen fUMi* flu; ihtaKe. 6jg|x_6o_LunWa; D ooq '\*y-*c - /*‘-0 s'a cJeojioN A"B BarH H 0 . 116 . ENp Page Sixteen PORTER 60hlcff EJE Page Seventeen EHI7 Ele^vjioHs 0f BarH Ho.116. Page Eighteen ’EGlSTTf? TAPE Building papdp Naicnld FLOORING JAMB Details ot Dresn Ait? Intake Page Twenty cSiLO !2ft*24ft I®™ Coiv 5 t4-L5 C;2*Ve|'IT!U\T0R. 5 1 ld;PcH?TEi* Cow Page Twenty-one \rJ)oo^ SecjioH . _LJITJJJ_C/\?£ | I5 ; ~ — T~ ' i * CoHci?fyr Nl/\HGu?:: _F_e tn_ Ca? 5L¥L JfA5J5_ CoHcpEjf HaNGEJR ,l l ;: GUTTER j.ji _|_ Nf-uooR stcpois, Litte£_C/\ssi qijj Jr/\c_k;_>_ F T 7--~ ~ **75.- "f 6/\Lf Peri *°> /o' o" fEED ^ooi\j. rt— fEED ROOt'l Cow ! PeN ~ w?L 2*^*2'b^- rr b\o f 6' O*~X2‘-4»r* —/ 4-' e>-~2 6~ 11 1 I I 11 1 I I i 11 111 i- I 1 1 . 1 \~look Pl/\N op BarN Ho. iit: Ploon Plan os Bann No . 136 . Page Twenty-two pLOOfi Pi/iN or Bai?n No. 133. Page Twenty four rr. 'J yW//r\ Parser • -v C'aA /mf hW.'a/cr /h /Cij i //C S/’/I. rfiirg.&fyt d/t.£•/ t fr/tA/o/r / S 'r-r/ Cc(t /////45 hiXgeA u *SM/iS : //t j'f'ci'j/rr /Aar A Slppl'CtfC/t /c ^'4 JV'4 /'/" 4 *>*'j t .W- i.*V 4 ( ’ 6'\\p-t - r'-ff' nw F^oor PlaM o r 3 /\kH No. 1^8 Page Thirty SILO DATA Q RACTICALLY all dairy barns have one or more silos built adjacent to them, since ensilage has been acknowl¬ edged an important foodstuff for dairy animals. There is a natural hesitancy on the part of many farmers in keeping much live stock on the farm in winter, since they fear the probable cost of feeding, which formerly was quite an item. The silo has made possible a succulent, nourishing food which is easily assimilated and relished by most farm animals, cattle in par¬ ticular. This should encourage the dairy industry, since the problem of securing satisfactory food in sufficient quantities during the winter season has been solved. In many instances a silo has paid for itself in one season, and farmers are quick to realize the profits resulting from such an investment. It is not our purpose to dwell at length on the respective merits of various materials used in silo construction, since the several manufacturers have first-hand information of this nature which they will gladly forward upon request. We have, however, prepared a table based upon data from a reliable source, and this will doubtless prove of value in deter¬ mining the size of silo required. Size of Silo Capacity in Tons No. of Cattle at 40 lbs. per day for 180 days No. of Acres of Corn to fill Silo Size of Silo Capacity in Tons No. of Cattle at 40 lb3. per day for 180 days No. of Acres of Corn to fill Silo 10x20 10x24 10x26 10x30 12x20 12x24 12x26 12x30 12x36 14x22 14x26 14x30 14x36 20 36 40 48 45 55 60 75 105 66 80 100 130 9 11 12 14 13 15 16 19 27 19 23 25 31 2H 3 3M 4 4 4^ 5 6 8 5 Y 6 Yl 8 a 11 16x22 16x26 16x30 16x36 18x24 18x26 18x30 18x36 20x24 20x26 20x30 20x36 87 103 120 155 120 130 150 190 140 155 185 235 24 27 33 45 33 36 42 52 39 45 51 63 7 8 10 13 10 11 12 M 16 12 14 15 }4 19 The tonnage of corn varies considerably in different fields and different years, but this is based on an average of twelve tons per acre. Page Thirty-one Page Thirty-two Fig. 690. (Fubso). Dairying Under Such Conditions Is a Profitable Business Venture AVL'RY ~'4~. S