If you’ve ever had to wrestle a giant tarp over a stack of hay bales in the middle of a rainstorm, you know it can be more trouble than it’s worth. Wet hay isn’t just a nuisance—it can lead to mold, rot, and wasted feed. For farmers and ranchers across Western Idaho and Eastern Oregon, a sturdy hay barn is one of the best investments you can make. Today, let’s talk about why this is the perfect time to build your hay barn, how to plan for height clearances with stack wagons, and why choosing BCG Builders in New Plymouth can spare you years of frustration.

The Trouble with Tarps
Tarps might seem like a quick fix at first, but anyone who’s ever relied on them knows how many problems they bring. They tear in high winds, collect pools of rainwater, and often need replacing sooner than expected. Handling wet, heavy tarps also eats up valuable time—time that could be spent on more important tasks around your farm. Even when used carefully, water can sneak in and damage your hay. Over time, these repeated losses really add up.
A well-built hay barn, on the other hand, keeps your feed dry, prevents mold growth, and limits waste. Instead of sinking money into tarps and constantly fussing with them, you can invest in a long-lasting structure. Once you see the difference in protection and peace of mind, you’ll never miss those tarps again.
Why Cover Your Harvest?
Every seasoned farmer understands how vital it is to protect hay. Damp or moldy feed can lead to health issues in livestock, reduced weight gain, or even serious illnesses. Covering your harvest isn’t just a convenience; it’s essential for keeping both animals and your bottom line healthy. Well-preserved hay stretches your feed supply and helps you avoid expensive veterinary bills.
Moisture isn’t the only issue. High winds and blowing dust can also reduce hay quality. A solid barn shields bales from these elements, preserving them longer and cutting down on waste. If you decide to sell excess hay, better quality means a better price—yet another reason why proper coverage pays off.
Timing Is Everything: Why Now?
If you’re still relying on tarps to protect your hay, you might wonder when the best time is to switch to a barn. The truth is, there’s no time like the present. Building a barn now allows you to have everything in place before your next harvest arrives. Instead of wrestling with tarps at the last minute, you’ll be ready for that new shipment of hay.
Starting sooner also gives you flexibility with contractors and material costs. By contacting a dependable builder, like BCG Builders in New Plymouth, you can line up the perfect window for construction and potentially take advantage of better supply prices. That way, you’re prepared well before the next hay season kicks off.
Stack Wagons: Key to Choosing the Right Height
Barns aren’t one-size-fits-all, particularly if you’re using stack wagons. These machines reach impressive heights when lifting and stacking bales. If your barn doesn’t have enough clearance, unloading becomes a major headache—or even impossible.
Typically, stack wagons need between 14 and 18 feet of vertical space. However, you’ll want to confirm the exact requirements with your hay delivery operator or custom harvester. Remember, the wagon has to lift the bales before placing them down, so there’s often an additional few feet of needed clearance. Plan carefully, and you’ll avoid a barn that’s too short to be useful.

Planning for the Future
When planning a barn, it’s natural to focus on your current needs. Still, think about how your operation might expand down the line. You may add more livestock, switch to bigger wagons, or simply decide to store more hay. Building a slightly larger or taller barn now can prevent costly expansions later.
A spacious, versatile barn also boosts property value if you ever decide to sell. Potential buyers love outbuildings that can handle various types of equipment and storage needs. By looking ahead, you’re setting yourself up for success today while potentially reaping financial benefits in the future.
Proper Ventilation and Other Design Tips
Height is only part of the story. Good ventilation is also key to reducing moisture and preventing mold buildup. Many barns use open sidewalls or vented roof ridges to increase airflow. You might also consider lean-tos or overhangs for storing tools or keeping equipment out of the weather.
Easy access is just as important. Large doorways and roomy aisles allow trucks, tractors, and wagons to move in and out without hassle. A layout that takes your farm’s workflow into account will save you hours of work during peak hay seasons.
Working with BCG Builders in New Plymouth
If you’re ready to build a hay barn, you want a contractor who understands local conditions and has a solid track record. BCG Builders in New Plymouth has tackled everything from simple three-sided shelters to fully enclosed barns. Their deep understanding of Idaho’s climate, soil conditions, and farming practices means they can recommend building methods that stand the test of time.
From the early planning steps to final construction, BCG Builders pays attention to every detail. They’ll work with you on the ideal height for your barn, ways to improve ventilation, and design elements that fit within your budget. They pride themselves on personal service, so you never have to feel like you’re just another job on the list.

The Personal Touch Matters
Building a barn is a major investment. You could be storing thousands of dollars’ worth of hay, so it’s not a place to cut corners. BCG Builders understands how important it is to have a durable, well-thought-out structure. They’ll visit your property, talk through your goals, and suggest features to make your day-to-day life easier.
Whether you need a straightforward open design or a fully customized layout with dedicated storage areas, BCG Builders has you covered. And if you’re conscious of budget constraints, they’ll work with you to find the right balance between must-have features and nice-to-haves. No unwelcome surprises—just honest communication from start to finish.
Stop Wrangling Tarps—Start Building
Hay is essential to many farming operations throughout Western Idaho and Eastern Oregon, and a barn offers the best form of protection. By upgrading from tarps to a permanent structure, you’ll avoid worries about moldy bales or wind-whipped tarps. That peace of mind is priceless: it frees you up to focus on more pressing tasks and helps ensure your hay remains in top condition.
A solid barn not only preserves your harvest but saves money by reducing waste. It also makes day-to-day operations run more smoothly—no more last-minute struggles to cover bales when the weather report takes a sudden turn.
Start Your Barn Building Journey Today
Are you dreaming of a hay barn that perfectly fits your operation’s needs? We know that choosing the right builder can be nerve-wracking. At BCG Builders in New Plymouth, we specialize in crafting custom solutions for your agricultural projects. Our team understands your concerns and works hard to earn your trust, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. Let us help you create a barn that fits your style, protects your harvest, and supports your way of life.
Why Choose BCG Builders? Located in New Plymouth, Idaho, we build structures that are tough, practical, and designed to handle Idaho’s unpredictable weather. Our team is dedicated to high-quality work and outstanding customer service, whether you’re in Western Idaho or Eastern Oregon. We focus on building with trust and care, so you can feel confident every step of the way. If you’re in the area west of Boise or anywhere in eastern Oregon, we’d love to help you design and construct your ideal barn (or home).
Contact BCG Builders for Custom Barn Building in New Plymouth, Idaho, and Surrounding Areas
Whether you need a hay barn, a custom home, or another construction project, BCG Builders is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your project and learn how we can bring your vision to life with our expert construction services. Trust BCG Builders for all your custom building needs in Idaho and Eastern Oregon.
Reach out for a quote here to see how we can help.
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