Become Organic Certified with DCI Steel Building Accessories
The organic market grows every year as consumers take more of an interest in the source of their products. However, to receive an organic certification, a farm must follow specific guidelines. If you want to raise organic livestock, having a properly ventilated shelter is essential for certification. Luckily, DCI sells a variety of steel building accessories that will keep your livestock happy and healthy!
What is organic production?
According to the US Department of Agriculture, organic production “integrates cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.” In other words, organic farms use the natural ecosystem and cycles to grow crops and raise
livestock rather than depending on pesticides and hormones. For a farm to achieve organic certification, it must follow certain guidelines regarding crops and livestock. The farm will undergo an inspection process and then get reviewed for certification.
What is required for organic livestock?
For livestock to receive organic certification, their living conditions must include access to outdoor areas, shade, shelter, space for exercise, fresh air, clean water for drinking, and direct sunlight. Each category includes more specific requirements. For example, shelter requirements must allow animals:
- Opportunity to exercise
- Protection from temperature extremes
- Adequate ventilation and air circulation
- Comfort behaviors
- Natural grooming and maintenance
- A low-hazard environment to prevent injury
- Bedding appropriate to the species
How do I ventilate a livestock shelter?
Livestock ventilation controls animals’ heat production and loss and provides moisture and odor control. The two types of ventilation include natural ventilation, also known as gravity ventilation, and mechanical ventilation, also known as power ventilation.
Gravity ventilation uses roof vents to release excess heat. DCI makes ridge vents and round vents for gravity ventilation. Our ridge vents fit along the ridges of the roof, while the round vents can go anywhere on the roof. They come with mechanical or manual dampers to cut off air flow if needed.
Power ventilation includes wall fans and roof fans. They force hot air out of the building while occupied. Our wall fans come in a pre-assembled metal building kit that includes the Fan, Motor, Wall Housing, Gravity Backdraft Damper, and OSHA guard. Our roof fans offer many of the same options and work with our custom Roof Curbs to attach the fan to the panels. This type is most recommended for livestock shelters since gravity ventilation depends on the wind.
Louvers work with fans to make sure air continuously flows through the structure and allows for proper air intake. Our options include fixed and adjustable louvers.
DCI Will Help Your Livestock Get Organic Certified with the Right Steel Building Accessories!
Design Components Inc. sells all the products you need to make sure your steel livestock shelter is vented properly to achieve organic certification. Our ventilation systems come in all shapes and sizes so that no matter what kind of shelter you have, you can find a system that works for your livestock and gets your farm certified!
To learn more about our steel building accessories, call us today at (800) 868-9910 or send us an email at sales@designcomponents.com. You can also request a quote here.
