Running a farm means juggling unpredictable weather, limited storage options, and the constant need to protect valuable equipment, livestock, and crops. From scorching sun to sudden downpours, it can take a serious toll on your assets and productivity.
That’s where a dome shelter comes in. Today, Australian farmers and agricultural businesses are turning to these solid, flexible structures—the modern solution for reliable, cost-effective protection. Whether you’re storing hay, shielding livestock, or safeguarding machinery, dome shelters tick all the boxes for a future-ready farm.
Dome Shelters 101: Key Features & Benefits
A dome shelter is a fabric-covered structure typically mounted on shipping containers or steel posts. Designed with a curved, open-span roof, it’s ideal for the ever-changing needs of a working farm.
Unlike permanent barns or sheds, agricultural dome shelters are fast to install and easy to relocate, creating a safe, weatherproof space in no time. Built from galvanised steel and heavy-duty, tear-resistant PVC fabric, they are made to handle high winds and harsh sunlight while offering a cooler, more breathable interior. With sizes ranging from small setups to large-scale coverage, they’re a smart solution for short and long-term needs.
Why Dome Shelters Outperform Traditional Sheds
Traditional sheds often require long construction timelines, council approvals, and high costs. They’re also fixed in place, so once built, you’re stuck with the layout.
On the other hand, dome shelters offer a faster, more flexible alternative. From 20ft container domes to custom-sized shelters, they can be packed and transported flat, making relocation simple if your operations change. Plus, installation is a breeze—completed in days rather than weeks.
With no internal poles, you get full use of the space inside, making it ideal for loading gear, housing animals, or generally keeping things organised. And, unlike old corrugated sheds that trap heat, dome shelters offer better airflow and natural light, keeping interiors cool and comfortable. As a whole, you’re also saving money in the long run without needing to rely heavily on artificial lighting or ventilation.
Versatile Applications of Dome Shelters in Agriculture
Protecting Livestock
Shielding animals from heat, wind, and rain is critical to animal welfare and productivity. A strong, breathable livestock shelter provides ample shade and ventilation, ensuring cattle, sheep, goats, or pigs stay comfortable in storm season and reducing heat stress in summer. It’s invaluable during lambing or calving, offering newborns warmth and protection.
These shelters can be tailored to suit different herd sizes, stock numbers, and paddock layouts, with options for open sides, back walls, or full enclosures. Personalise it to your needs, whether that’s easy access for feeding or maintenance.
Shade, Shelter & Space for Horses
Horses aren’t built to stand out in the blazing sun or icy rain, needing a space that balances airflow with strong weather protection. A dedicated horse shelter gives them a covered, dry area for feeding, grooming, resting, or vet checks without stress.
From agistment centres to property owners, our dome shelters for horses can be installed in turnout yards or open paddocks and are ideal as standalone shelters or additions to stables. Many owners pair them with back walls or add-ons for extra protection from side winds and insects, but even if you choose to leave them open, you’ll get a clean, airy space that’s easy to maintain and kind on your animals.
Crop, Feed & Hay Storage
Keeping crops, hay, and feed dry is non-negotiable when trying to minimise losses and protect quality. A dome shelter gives you on-farm storage that keeps everything dry and secure, helping to avoid spoilage and saving you time hauling loads to off-site depots.
Providing weatherproof coverage that keeps moisture, pests, and UV exposure at bay, you can harvest on your own schedule, avoid delays from third-party handling, and reduce transportation costs. Many of our customers use these structures to store feed, fertiliser, and seed, too—especially when space gets tight during harvest season.
Need more room later? Simply extend your shelter or install another container dome alongside it.
Storing Equipment & Machinery
Tractors, harvesters, spray rigs, whatever you run on the farm, they shouldn’t be sitting out in the harsh sun, wind, and rain. Dome shelters make excellent weatherproof farm storage for all your gear, making day-to-day operations easier.
The curved roof encourages water run-off, while the open-span interior ensures smooth parking and maintenance. Some farmers even integrate solar panels for lighting and security systems, turning a basic agricultural shelter into a smart, low-maintenance base of operations.
Multipurpose, Flexible Spaces
One of the best things about dome shelters is how adaptable they are. Use them as mobile workshops, vet bays, covered workspaces, or even for hydroponic growing. We’ve seen customers use their shelters as temporary event spaces and multipurpose hubs that grow with their business.
Looking for dome shelters in Melbourne or need one delivered to a remote site across Australia? With delivery depots across the country, Dome Shelter Supplies makes finding a solution that fits your setup easy.
Your Cheatsheet for Choosing a Dome Shelter
Before investing in a dome shelter, it’s worth reviewing your site and operational needs:
- Size & Footprint: Factor in current needs plus room to grow or for layout changes.
- Mounting Options: Consider the differences between containers, post kits, or concrete footings, depending on your site.
- Ventilation: Make sure airflow suits your livestock or stored goods.
- Access: Plan for machinery access, loading zones, door widths, and traffic flow.
- Compliance: Go for dome shelters engineered to Australian safety and security standards.
Dome Shelter Supplies: The Destination for Your Agricultural Shelter Needs
We’re a proudly Australian, family-run business built out of frustration with slow service and flimsy products. We focus on what matters—strong builds, no-fuss delivery, and real support. Our shelters are 25% stronger than competitors’, and we have 140 depots across Australia for faster access and collection.
Whether you need a custom build or something ready to ship, we’ll help you get sorted—headache-free.
Upgrade Your Farm Setup
From livestock protection to crop storage and everything in between, dome shelters are helping Australian farms work smarter—not harder. Want to protect your assets, simplify your setup, and save money in the long run? We’re here to help you find the right fit for your farm.
Get in touch with Dome Shelter Supplies for a free quote or chat about your ideal shelter setup. Let’s build something strong, reliable, and ready for whatever the weather throws your way.
