Protecting plants and animals: The importance of shade in Agriculture

As the climate heats up, farmers are increasingly turning to shade solutions to protect their plants and animals. Shade structures, such as shade sails, can provide many benefits.

For example, shade structures can help reduce the impact of heat waves on livestock, including cattle and sheep.

Research indicates that high temperatures can affect livestock’s ability to dissipate heat. This can have significant impacts on farm productivity.

If livestock have to maintain a regular body temperature, this diverts their energy away from production gains, such as weight gain, milk production or wool growth.

When it is hot, it is in cattle’s natural instincts to move towards shade. However, if no shade is available, they will use other measures to cool themselves, including panting and reducing feed intake.

By providing shade to your cattle, you can increase their feed intake. This can lead to increased weight gain at slaughter. Therefore, providing shade to your cattle can increase your profit margins.

While some may view shade structures as costly, it’s important to consider the potential return on investment.

Experts estimate that the increased productivity facilitated by shade structures could pay for the installation of a commercial shade sail in just three to four years.

In addition, research indicates dairy cows may produce 17% more milk in paddocks with shelter. A lack of shelter can also reduce cow fertility. Therefore, providing your animals not only protects their welfare but provides significant economic benefits as well.

According to Meat & Livestock Australia, adequate protection must be provided for each animal in the pen. This is where the benefit of a custom-made shade sail comes in. Custom-made sails are designed to provide maximum protection.

They recommend that shade protection should be maximised in the afternoon sun.

By providing adequate shade, you can also help protect your crops from the heat. Shade sails can help reduce heat damage by lowering the temperature in indoor and outdoor plots.

By strategically diffusing light, you can also accelerate the development of plants. It also allows you to maintain optimal temperature and humidity during growth. This could help you secure better prices for your crops.

Studies have shown that tomato plants grown under shade structures lasted six weeks longer.

Shade structures play a crucial role in water conservation. By reducing water loss in plants while maintaining growth, they contribute to a more sustainable use of water resources.

As all farmers will know, protecting your crops from the elements can be challenging. Quality shade structures can also help protect crops from hail and rain, helping to minimise unpredictable losses. Therefore, choosing a high-quality waterproof product is important.

Products such as Rainbow Shade have been hail-tested to ensure they provide maximum protection. Rainbow Shade has been certified with the highest level of hail protection that is available.

In one simulation, hail was fired at the sail at 191km per hour, but no damage was recorded.

Many off-the-shelf products will not provide the same level of weather protection.

By installing a shade sail on your farm, you can also reduce damage to sensitive fruit and vegetable crops.

Shade Sails can lead to energy savings in facilities such as greenhouses as less heating consumption is required.

Shade plays a vital role in the agriculture industry, protecting plants and animals. Many farmers are increasingly recognising its benefits.

Article References

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4. Farm Online National (2024) The benefits of installing shade structures in agricultural areas, Farm Online National, accessed 25 July 2024.
5. Meat & Livestock Australia (2016) Feedlot design & Construction: Shade, Meat & Livestock Australia, accessed 25 July 2024.
6. Meat & Livestock Australia (2019) It pays to have shade, Meat & Livestock Australia, accessed 25 July 2024.
7. Rainbow Shade (2018) Rainbow Shade Sails advantage when extreme weather visits Rainbow Shade, accessed 18 July 2024

8. Sustainable Farms (n.d) Protect and restore paddock trees, Sustainable Farms, accessed 25 July 2024.