One man can build this low-cost calf shelter in less than 2 hrs. using a tractor loader and big round bales. Once bad weather passes, you can quickly take the structure apart and use the straw for bedding or feed.

Animal scientist Vern Anderson at North Dakota State University came up with the idea at the Carrington Research Center. He used 12 large round flax straw bales.

Bales were stacked 2-high on end in a U shape with two bales on each leg and four bales across the bottom. Four planks are placed across the top of the bales and loose hay or straw spread on top of the planks. Another plank is fastened to fenceposts on either side of the opening about 30 in. off the ground to keep cows out of the shelter but allow calves easy access.

Anderson says calves enter the shelter readily and stayed comfortable in the dry, well-bedded interior during winter storms. It's big enough to hold 15 to 20 calves and could be constructed side-by-side to share common walls. (Grainews)