Why Steel Buildings Are the Future of Farming
Building Smarter: Why Steel Structures Are Reshaping Modern Farming
In this Farm4Profit episode, the crew sits down with Randy Marcks, Sukup Steel Buildings expert, to explore how steel structures are transforming agriculture — blending innovation, precision, and practicality into every build.
Steel buildings aren’t just about toughness. They’re about designing for the future, maximizing efficiency, and protecting your investment for decades. Randy breaks down the advanced engineering behind Sukup’s buildings — from I-beam structural corners and Galvalume+ steel panels, to factory-welded clips and pre-punched components that make installation faster and more accurate.
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Plan Before You Build
Before the first bolt goes in, Randy stresses that smart planning is what separates a short-term structure from a long-term asset.
Here’s what every farmer should consider before construction starts:
Future Use Planning: Design beyond today’s needs—consider future livestock expansion, machinery upgrades, or storage diversification.
Size & Layout: Bigger isn’t always better. Right-sizing your building ensures operational flow, efficiency, and controlled costs.
Site Prep & Foundation: Grading, compaction, and soil testing prevent drainage problems that could haunt your site for years.
Budgeting Beyond the Kit: Account for labor, electrical, insulation, and ventilation early.
Codes & Compliance: Know your local regulations to avoid delays and costly rework.
Why Steel Wins the Long Game
Randy explains how steel outperforms wood in nearly every category:
✅ Withstands higher wind loads
✅ Resists termites, rot, and warping
✅ Provides clear spans up to 200 feet for open workspaces
✅ Holds recyclable value at teardown
Sukup’s IAS AC472 accreditation guarantees that every structure meets the highest industry standards for safety, quality, and consistency — a badge of Iowa engineering excellence.
It’s All in the Details
Panel and roof design are often overlooked, but they determine long-term performance. Sukup’s mechanically rolled standing seams with a 360° Pittsburgh double-lock prevent leaks and allow movable clips to flex with temperature changes — reducing stress and extending roof life.
These details mean your building can breathe, flex, and endure through decades of Midwestern seasons.
Key Takeaways
Plan with purpose — A smart build starts with site prep, future needs, and full-cost budgeting.
Steel wins the long game — Stronger spans, higher durability, no rot, and recyclable value at teardown.
Details matter — Panel design, insulation, and airflow determine comfort and longevity.
Sukup quality = Iowa pride — Family-owned innovation, automation, and precision manufacturing built for the farm.
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