Wouldn’t D. Howard Doane be surprised if he returned to earth and saw what had become of the common pole barn? He is considered the father of the post-frame movement. In his day, the term “pole-barn” was used, and appropriately enough. Today “post-frame” is preferred, thank you, and rightly so since advances have clearly taken it beyond its simple origins.
Whatever you call it, Doane’s basic premise was to find a fast and affordable way to build livestock barns. The simple concept grew from there until “pole barn” just didn’t cut it any more. Refined through research and innovative practices, the movement took on wings and moved out of the pasture and onto Main Street.
Doane lived from 1883 to 1984, so he was able to see major changes, just not what it has grown to become. When he started, the builders were often the farmers who wanted a pole barn. Poles were solid timbers that may have come from the back 40.
As the industry grew, companies sprang up to fill the need for stronger buildings with metal that wouldn’t rust, fasteners that wouldn’t loosen, foundations that wouldn’t rot. Experienced construction crews replaced farm crews.
An entire supply industry evolved. Many of the companies were there from early on. Others dove in when they saw additional needs unmet.
In the following pages, we present products and services provided by 12 of these suppliers, many of them with long histories in the industry. You are already likely familiar with most of them and may even rely on their products to help you through your work week. We would like to thank them for being Post-Frame Positive, and helping to further Doane’s vision. FBN
