Can You Put A Shipping Container On Agricultural Land?

Wondering if you can put a shipping container on agricultural land? Are you looking for a unique and cost-effective way to optimize agricultural operations? In brief, shipping containers being versatile, secure, and portable structures can offer many benefits. These range from equipment storage to feed protection and even repurposed into offices or animal stables.

In this article, we’ll explore the advantages of using shipping containers on your agricultural land and answer the question, “Can you put a shipping container on agricultural land?” So, let’s dive in and discover how shipping containers can revolutionize your farming experience.

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Can You Put a Shipping Container On Agricultural Land?

It is generally possible to put a shipping container on agricultural land. However, there may be specific regulations or restrictions in place that you need to be aware of before doing so. Check with your local zoning or land use authority to determine the rules in your area.

Some potential factors that may impact your ability to put a shipping container on agricultural land include the following:

Zoning restrictions: Some areas may not permit shipping containers to be placed on agricultural land or may require special permits or approvals before doing so.
Size and placement: In some cases, there may be restrictions on the size or location of shipping containers on agricultural land. For example, they may be far from property lines, roads, or other structures.

Environmental concerns: Depending on the contents of the shipping container and how it is used, environmental concerns may need to be addressed. For example, if it is used to store chemicals or other hazardous materials, you may need to comply with special regulations or safety requirements.

Things to Consider Before Putting a Shipping Container on Agricultural Land

Permanent Structures

Shipping containers must be transportable to avoid being classified as a permanent structures. And so this means using a container as a field shelter, barn, or any other fixed outdoor building would require planning permission.

Farmland Campsites

Under UK law, shipping containers are classified as caravans. Take note that this means you can keep up to three containers on a farmland “campsite” for a maximum of 28 days per year without planning permission. However, if you plan to keep them for longer, you will need to obtain the necessary permission.

Permanent Living Space

Using a shipping container as a permanent living space could result in the farm being reclassified from agricultural to residential. Thus, before using a shipping container as a long-term living space, it’s necessary to obtain planning permission.

How Can You Use Shipping Containers On Your Farm?

Farming Machinery and Equipment Storage

Safe and secure storage of machinery, equipment, and tools is essential for optimal farming operations. All new or used containers are thoroughly inspected to ensure they are structurally sound, wind and watertight, rodent-proof, and equipped with solid floors and functional doors. In particular, 20′ or 40′ standard or high cube containers easily store daily supplies, smaller machinery, larger narrow machinery, and heavy equipment.

Livestock Feed Storage

Protecting your feed supply is crucial to ensure the health and growth of your livestock. Without a doubt, weatherproof and rodent-proof shipping containers are a great solution to protect your animals’ access to fresh and healthy feed.

Office or Workshop

A shipping container can be converted into an office or workshop for your employees. Whether for administrative work or fixing tools, a modified container office or workshop is perfect for all your work needs.

Shipping Container as Animal Stable on Agricultural Land

Converting a high-cube shipping container into an animal stable is a cost-effective way to save money on building an entire barn. With the right modifications, such as stable doors, windows, and ventilation, you can provide a safe and comfortable environment for your livestock. Shipping containers are also durable and easy to transport, making relocation an effortless task.

Shipping Container Farm

Freight container farming is an innovative and emerging trend in accessible farming. With controlled conditions and minimal footprint, shipping container farms are ideal for regions experiencing extreme weather changes. Indeed, experiment with the produce you grow inside a modified container and see if this is the future of accessible farming.

Types of Shipping Containers and Their Functions in The Farm

20ft Shipping Containers

A 20ft container is 20 feet long and is ideal for storing smaller machinery, narrow machinery, heavy equipment, tools, and supplies. Note that a shipping container on agricultural land can protect farm equipment and tools from theft, damage from weather changes, and other potential hazards. The smaller size of a 20ft container makes it easy to transport and position in tight spaces on the farm.

40ft Shipping Container on Agricultural Land

A 40ft container is 40 feet long and can store larger equipment or larger quantities of supplies. These include livestock feed, fertilizer, and other agricultural materials. A 40ft shipping container on agricultural land can also be used as an office, workshop, or even converted into animal stables. It provides more space than a 20ft container and can be helpful for larger agricultural operations.

40ft Hc (High Cube) Containers

A 40ft HC (high cube) container is 40 feet long and 9’6″ high, one foot taller than a standard 40ft container. It is ideal for storing larger equipment or converting it into animal stables. The additional height provides more vertical space for animals to move around and store equipment. A 40ft HC container can also be used for shipping container farming or other innovative uses on agricultural land.

Benefits of A Shipping Container On Agricultural Land

There are several advantages of a shipping container on agricultural land, chief among them being the following.

1. Shipping Containers Are Versatile for Various Farm Purposes

One of the advantages of employing shipping containers on a farm is their adaptability. Without doubt, they are easily adapted for various purposes, including storage for farm equipment, animal stables, and even as a container office or workshop.

The containers are available in different sizes and may meet various demands, making them versatile for farmers searching for cost-effective options.

2. They Are Secure and Offer Protection Against Harsh Weather and Rodents

Shipping containers are composed of durable materials and are meant to endure extreme weather conditions. They are wind and waterproof, so the contents within the container are safe from the elements. Furthermore, shipping containers are rodent-proof, which helps safeguard stored commodities from rodent damage and contamination.

3. Buying A Shipping Container Is Cost-effective

Shipping containers are a low-cost storage alternative for farmers. Shipping containers are frequently less expensive than erecting a barn or acquiring pre-made structures. They are also updated and repurposed, making them a versatile investment for farmers.

4. Shipping Containers Are Portable and Easily Movable

Shipping containers are meant to be portable and easily transportable. This implies that if a farmer needs to transfer the container, a tilt bed trailer may easily transport it. Shipping containers’ mobility makes them a perfect alternative for farmers transporting storage or equipment from one site to another.

5. Shipping Containers are Weather-resistant and Provide Feed Storage Protection

Shipping containers are weather-resistant and can safely store animal feed, hay, or fodder. This keeps the feed dry and free of spoiling, even in extreme weather conditions. Shipping containers are a useful tool for farmers that need to maintain their feed supplies because they are secure and waterproof.

6. Repurposing Shipping Containers Is an Environmentally Friendly Option

Because it promotes recycling and repurposing, using shipping containers for farming is an environmentally responsible solution. Rather than discard used containers, farmers can recycle them for various purposes in their fields. This saves waste and promotes a more environmentally friendly farming method.

Conclusion

Utilizing shipping containers on agricultural land is a smart choice for farmers looking for versatile, secure, cost-effective, and portable solutions. However, before placing a shipping container on your land, it’s important to ensure that you follow local laws and regulations.

Be sure to check zoning laws and obtain the necessary permits before making any modifications to your land. It’s also essential to ensure that your container is structurally sound, wind and watertight, and adequately secured to prevent accidents or damage.

These steps allow you to safely and effectively use shipping containers to enhance your farming operations.

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Can You Put A Shipping Container On Agricultural Land?

Can You Put a Shipping Container On Agricultural Land?