Shearing Shed – Buchan South

Custom Replacement of a 130-Year-Old Shearing Shed: A Tailored, Cost-Effective Solution for a Buchan South Farm

For over 40 years, Barry, a generational farmer in Buchan South, has trusted three generations at Bairnsdale Engineering to deliver high-quality, custom-built rural infrastructure designed for the demands of East Gippsland’s agricultural environment.

When his 130-year-old shearing shed became unsafe and beyond repair, a standard replacement wasn’t an option. The T-shaped layout, integration with the shearing drum, and livestock flow were essential to operations. Any deviation would have disrupted efficiency and required costly modifications.

The new shed needed to match the original footprint precisely while providing greater strength, durability, and longevity to withstand farming conditions.

The Challenge: A Shearing Shed That Couldn’t Be Replaced with a Standard Build

The existing shearing shed had been in use for over a century, and its custom layout was integral to the farm’s workflow. A standard structure wouldn’t have worked—it had to be rebuilt exactly to specification.

Key challenges included:

• Exact footprint replication – Any deviation would have disrupted existing infrastructure, livestock flow and shearing operations.
• Non-standard T-shaped design – Required complex engineering and fabrication to replicate.
• Integration with existing infrastructure – The new shed had to work seamlessly with the shearing drum and pens to avoid costly modifications.

A fully-customised approach was the only solution.

“We’ve been dealing with Bairnsdale Engineering for 40-odd years, so I just go to them—that’s all about it. They built exactly what I needed, to the exact same dimensions as the old shed. The quality of the workmanship is flawless—you can’t get better.”

– Barry
Buchan South Farmer

The Solution: A Heavy-Duty Shearing Shed for Long-Term Performance

With expertise in custom rural infrastructure, Bairnsdale Engineering delivered a tailored shearing shed that preserved the functionality of the original while incorporating modern materials for superior strength and durability.

Key features of the build:

• Hip & Valley Roof Design – Engineered to match the original dimensions and design, “this shed was a challenge to draw but it was satisfying to see the project come together so well.” – Bairnsdale Engineering CAD drafter.
• Heavy-Doors on Rectangular Hollow Section Beams – Fitted into the design to support livestock flow and shearing efficiency.
• Hot-dip Galvanised Steel Frame – Built with hot-dipped galvanised columns and rafters for ultimate durability, and corrosion resistance.
• Repurpose Existing Timbers – A local builder was engaged to rebuild the interior of the shearing shed, keeping the nostalgic character of the old shed by reusing much of the original timber.
• Ventilation Solutions – Understanding how essential ventilation is in a shearing shed, windows and a vented ridge were incorporated into the design to provide airflow in addition to the sliding doors.

By choosing a custom-engineered solution instead of modifying an off-the-shelf structure, Barry achieved a cost-effective, long-term investment—eliminating unnecessary expenses while ensuring seamless integration with his existing operations.

Why Bairnsdale Engineering is the Preferred Choice for Shearing Sheds

Bairnsdale Engineering specialises in custom-engineered, site-specific shearing sheds that ensure seamless incorporation with existing infrastructure, enhance productivity and provide long-term durability.

With local expertise and a tailored approach, every project is designed to meet the specific needs of Australian farming operations- delivering cost-effective, high-quality solutions that stand the test of time.