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Calf rearing is one of the most critical phases in your farming operation. Getting it right starts with a reliable shelter that protects young animals from the elements, supports healthy growth, and simplifies your daily workload.
SmartShelters’ calf shelters are built tough for New Zealand farms and engineered for your climate. With industry-leading materials, modular designs, and low-input performance, our calf shelters create a warm, dry, light-filled space that supports faster weight gain, reduces illness, and helps you raise healthier, more productive animals.
Industry leading airflow in a SmartShelter reduces odour and gas build up, increases ventilation in turn reducing bug enviroments
Whether you’re rearing dairy replacements, beef calves, high value wagyu a SmartShelter is designed for a dry comfortable warm environment for the calf and an easy system for staff to work in and machinery to clean out and operate in.
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SmartShelters’ calf sheds use a hooped shelter design proven to create a clean, fresh environment that encourages healthy airflow and stable internal temperatures year-round.
Our NZ-made structures are made with C450-grade galvanised steel and SmartShield® fabric. SmartShield® allows natural light to filter in, so your calves receive the sunlight they need without the UV load or heat stress of direct exposure. Furthermore, it minimises reliance on artificial lighting and heating, reducing running costs for your farm.
All SmartShelters’ calf-rearing sheds are available in flexible widths and lengths to suit your paddock, calf numbers, and pen layout. \Whether you’re creating a permanent calf rearing facility or need a moveable calf shelter, we can design the ideal solution with a structure mounted on poles our using our clever Dome Barn system.
Calves housed in warm, dry shelters don’t burn energy trying to stay warm. That means more of their feed goes toward growth, helping them gain weight faster, with better feed conversion efficiency.
Shelters protect calves from sun, wind, rain, and cold ground temperatures, creating a healthier environment that reduces stress, sickness, and mortality. Excellent airflow also helps minimise the risk of respiratory illness.
Centralised calf shelters support routine checks, vaccination schedules, and early intervention. Sick animals can be easily isolated, and firm hygiene processes can be implemented to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks.
SmartShelters’ calf shelters are constructed from high-strength C450-grade steel and our exclusive SmartShield® PVC-free structural fabric. They’re built to withstand harsh New Zealand conditions and require minimal upkeep over time.
Our calf shelters use durable SmartShield® fabric, which allows natural light to flood the interior, reducing reliance on electric lighting. And because ventilation is built into the structure, you won’t need expensive HVAC systems.
Our sheds for calves are designed with a clear-span roof and high light transmission, creating a bright, open interior. Choose from various pen layouts, spans, and lengths, or talk to us about a custom build to suit your operation.
Whether you’re converting a paddock or building on a new block, SmartShelters’ modular design makes installation quick and straightforward. Our calf shelters are also relocatable, which is ideal if your operation grows or your needs change.
SmartShelters is New Zealand’s first and most experienced shelter manufacturer. We’ve supported farmers across the country for generations, with tailored solutions that reflect real-world needs.
Designed and built in Auckland, our steel calf shelters are purpose-built for New Zealand’s weather conditions. You’ll also get fast local support when you need repairs, upgrades, or expert advice.
SmartShelters’ heavy-duty calf shelters are backed by the longest warranty on the market, covering both your frame and structural fabric. It’s peace of mind, built in.
Our hoop frames are manufactured with premium C450-grade structural galvanised steel with square or rectangular profiles and 4mm wall thickness. These outperform imported kits with superior load handling and long-term strength.
Exclusive to SmartShelters, SmartShield® is a 100% PVC-free ripstop membrane offering the highest durability in New Zealand’s shelter market. It resists tears, wear, and UV breakdown, and it won’t crack in winter or sag in summer.
All shelters are designed to meet AS/NZS 1170.2:2021, including wind and snow loadings based on your location. Whether you’re farming in Southland or the Bay of Plenty, you’ll get engineered compliance that makes council consent easier.
"It's about animal welfare. The shelter gives the cows shade in the summer and protection in the winter, they spend anywhere from two to 20 hours a day in it.”
"We've pulled calves out of the mud, and it takes a long time for the pasture to recover. The shelters have made a huge difference to the land"
‘‘The cows are shiny, happy, and fat here. They are probably in the best condition we have had cows in winter.’’
Calf shelters are purpose-built to provide protection, comfort, and structure during the most vulnerable stage of an animal’s life. Designed with the realities of New Zealand farming in mind, our durable, NZ-made shelters help you safeguard your stock from the elements, reduce stress, and support animal health and growth.
Calves should be housed for 2-4 weeks for dairy heifer replacements and 4-5 weeks for beef calves, though many farmers choose to house them for up to 8 weeks or through the full weaning period (approx. 7-8 months). Quality calf shelter during this time supports growth, immunity, and long-term productivity. Weather and available paddock space on farm is a factor.
A general rule is 1.5m² per calf, with no more than 10 calves per pen. SmartShelters can help you plan the right capacity for your shelter based on your stock numbers and calf-rearing goals.With external paddock access area in good weather the space requirement can be reduced.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The ideal calf shelter layout depends on your site, herd size, and workflow. At SmartShelters we offer flexible pen layouts, span lengths and widths, and entry/exit options to streamline feeding, cleaning, and health checks.Central feedlanes suit a 12-20m span with pens on each side, full width pens with feeding down each side suits a 10-14m span.
Disease control starts with the right shelter environment and is supported by strong hygiene and management practices. To reduce the risk of airborne and contact-spread illness in your calf housing, we recommend the following:
Combined with the natural airflow and dry environment provided by SmartShelters’ design, these practices go a long way in supporting the health of your young herd.
SmartShelters is the only genuine NZ-made shelter company in New Zealand. We offer tailored engineering and flexible layouts that work with your farm, not against it.
Protect what matters with New Zealand-made shelters built on 100 years of trusted expertise. Contact us today!
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