Why Are More Beef Farmers Installing Ceiling Fans? What We’re Hearing from the Barn Floor
At Envira-North, we’ve spent the past season connecting with beef producers at trade shows and farm events. Again and again, we heard the same question:
“Why are all my neighbours installing ceiling fans in their beef operations?”
While the answer might seem straightforward—comfort—the real story runs deeper. More producers are investing in High Volume, Low Speed (HVLS) fans to solve a range of issues that affect herd health, barn conditions, and operational costs. Here’s what we’re hearing from farmers across Ontario:
Addressing Respiratory Risks
At Haines Beef Farm in Wingham, concerns around rising ammonia levels led them to explore better ventilation. Prolonged exposure to ammonia can lead to respiratory issues in cattle. Since installing HVLS fans, they’ve seen a significant improvement in air quality and herd health. Controlled airflow has made a measurable difference.
Reducing Manure Tagging and Ice Build-up
Chaffe Farms in Mitchell installed HVLS fans to keep warm air circulating along their fabric ceiling during winter. Not only has this helped prevent snow and ice accumulation on the roof, but it has also kept the air drier inside the barn—reducing manure buildup and keeping animals cleaner and more comfortable. In Brussels, another farm noted that better airflow helped them manage temperature swings more effectively and improve overall air quality.
Operational Efficiency and Cost Reduction
The benefits aren’t limited to the herd. Improved airflow is helping farms streamline daily operations and cut costs.
- At Schneider Family Farms, improved barn conditions have allowed them to reduce pack cleanouts to once every three weeks—resulting in 39% savings on straw.
- Another producer in the Mitchell area reported a 12% reduction in bedding costs and increased stocking density by 8% per pen, making daily management more efficient.
Why HVLS Fans Work
At Envira-North, our HVLS fans are specifically designed for livestock environments. They move large volumes of air at low speeds, creating a steady, gentle breeze that helps regulate temperature, control humidity, and disperse harmful gases. Unlike smaller, high-speed fans, HVLS technology supports consistent barn conditions without creating drafts or stress for animals—all while remaining energy efficient.
From the Barns We Visit to the Farms We Serve
What we’re hearing is clear: HVLS fans are becoming a go-to solution for beef producers looking to improve herd health, reduce costs, and create a more manageable barn environment year-round.
To explore how HVLS fans can support your operation, visit Envira-North.com.
Contact Us Today
Envira-North Systems Ltd.
139 Sparling St. PO Box 668
Seaforth, Ontario N0K 1W0
Canada
📧 Email: bigair@enviranorth.com
📞 Phone: 1 (519) 527-2198 | 1 (866) 771-7766
“Envira-North is proud to offer a premium line of products fit for many different applications.”