Today’s farm fact is about old barns. These gaps in our beautiful barn’s walls are not accidental or due to aging – and they don’t just make for pretty pictures of thin winter light shining through. The gaps in the cedar siding were intentionally left during the barn’s construction in 1944.

The purpose? To allow for good airflow and ventilation!

Fresh air circulation is vital to the respiratory health of animal occupants, reducing the risk of pneumonia and other potential respiratory diseases which can affect young animals, like calves and goat kids, especially. It’s also important for maintaining the quality of stored goods like hay and grains. Proper ventilation helps prevent the growth of mold on animal feeds, which if eaten or inhaled by the animals, can make them very sick.