As temperatures drop and summer heat stress fades, farming priorities shift. Keeping dairy cows and youngstock safe from heavy rain and severe gales becomes top priority. However, getting your winter livestock ventilation right is essential – you still need steady fresh air moving through the shed to prevent respiratory issues and environmental bacteria.
Choosing how to enclose your shed is one of the most important decisions you will make ahead of winter. At Intershape, we supply a wide range of options – from simple, heavy-duty choices like the Vervaeke Fixed Windbreak and the Secure Windbreak System, to adjustable options like the Airkoe Safe System and the Vervaeke Middletube.
Here is a simple look at how fixed windbreaks compare to dynamic curtains, and why getting your airflow right matters.
1. Fixed Windbreaks: Simple and Reliable
Fixed systems, such as the Secure Windbreak System or the Vervaeke Fixed Windbreak, give you permanent, strong protection for exposed end walls and side openings.
- How They Work: Made from tough, wind-permeable mesh, these systems cut harsh winter winds by up to 80%. They let fresh air drift through while keeping out driving rain and sleet.
- The Pros:
- Extremely durable with no moving parts, motors, or ropes to wear out or repair.
- Very cost-effective for long-term protection.
- Ideal for exposed, high-ground sites that face constant rough weather.
- The Cons: They give you a fixed level of cover. While they block harsh winds well, you cannot open them up on mild autumn days or close them completely during a heavy blizzard.
2. Adjustable Ventilation Curtains: Flexible Control
When you want the option to adjust to changing day-to-day weather, curtain systems are the better fit. Solutions like the Airkoe Safe System or the Vervaeke Middletube give you full control over the building’s internal climate.
- How They Work: Powered by central drives, cables, or rolling tubes, these tough canvas curtains move smoothly over large openings so you can adjust airflow as needed.
- The Pros:
- Total Flexibility: Open them to clear out humidity on warmer days, or close them tight when heavy winter storms roll in.
- All-Season Use: They help a single shed handle both warm, muggy periods and freezing winter weather.
- The Cons: They cost more upfront and require occasional checks on winches, wires, or automatic control systems.
Fixed Windbreaks vs. Curtains: Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Fixed Windbreaks (like the Secure or Vervaeke systems) if you have specific walls that take a beating from the wind, or if you want a simple, maintenance-free barrier for open-sided storage or general bays.
- Choose Adjustable Curtains (like the Airkoe Safe System or Vervaeke Middletube) if you run high-yielding dairy herds or sensitive calf-rearing units where stopping drafts and controlling exact air movement is vital for herd health and yield.
Managing Airflow Direction: Avoiding Winter Draughts
Whether you install fixed mesh or adjustable curtains, where air enters the shed matters immensely.
Opening curtains from the bottom up in winter leaves animals completely exposed. Cold draughts and direct winter winds dump straight into the lower part of the shed – right where calves and cows lie down to rest. This chills stock quickly and sharply spikes the risk of respiratory stress and pneumonia.
Instead, prioritise top-opening or high-level systems during colder months. Incoming fresh air enters high up near the eaves, safely mixing with warmer, rising air inside the shed so it tempers before it ever reaches your livestock.
Upgrade Your Shed for Winter with Intershape
Don’t let unpredictable weather compromise your winter livestock ventilation, herd health, or milk yields. Whether you need the straightforward strength of the Secure Windbreak System or the exact control of the Airkoe Safe System, Intershape has a solution for your farm.
Ready to prepare your buildings for winter? Explore the full Intershape Ventilation Range or get in touch with our team today for practical design advice tailored to your site.