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I have a 30' X 95' dairy barn, built in 1950, that is used for two barn cats and storage and am wondering if it would be better to convert a portion to a sugar shack vs. building a separate sugar shack building.
I'd love any opinions on this and connections to those who have done this.
My opinion would be to convert a section into a syrup production area. Why spend the money on building something new if you already have a structure? How is the infrastructure of the barn, I assume there is power their and possibly water? Doing this could also allow you additional funds to be put towards equipment.
Again just my two cents.
Happy New Years to everyone!
Heck yeah. Use the barn You should be able to create whatever kind of sugar house you want, provided it is structurally sound. Maybe fun running the stack and pipe for the steam, but what you will save from building a separate building, you will be able to figure that out. If it is as good as what the picture shows that is a beautiful barn. Are you planning on using the upper or lower level?
Seems like a great idea. You'll likely need to pour concrete to level the floor, the original gutters could likely house floor drainage. Have fun with it.
I'd mostly be concerned about fire hazard, particularly if you are wood fired. Just something about old barns that would make me nervous when it comes to hot embers, sparks, and cherry red stacks.
Ken