Today was cold but dry so Mac and I started work building the first alpaca loafing shed. This is basically a metal frame kit to which you attach plywood walls and a metal roof. The whole thing fastens together rather like scaffolding.

The key to success is to ensure the six concrete pads on which the structure rests are level and in the correct position. I know it sound obvious but even a fraction of an inch here causes problems of a bigger nature later on. A laser sighting level is very useful.

Putting in the pads and erecting the frame took the two of us about 5 hours.



Most of the work is pretty obvious and the instructions come on one piece of paper so I think that probably says it all.

Tomorrow we will cut the ply wood and attach the walls. Then we need to anchor the building before putting on the sheet metal roof.

The final stage is to then create a level floor in the loafing shed by adding degenerated granite.

Click here to visit the Noble Site and see their range of products.

As always the John Deere Gator did a sterling job of hauling parts around.



So another month comes to an end and the end of the year is all but upon us. My list of farm project appears just as long now as it did this time last year....I must resolve to stop adding new projects in the New Year.

Adrian Stewart