Weathered Wisconsin Dairy Barn
This old Wisconsin barn looks pretty rough, but is still in use, but not for cows. In the past it was a typical size and shape for a small dairy farm. By building it into the side of the hill like they did the farmer could fill the haymow much more easily. The hay wagons could be driven right into the barn for easy unloading. That makes much more sense than hoisting hay into a second story mow.
Farmers in those days were also away of the benefits of building into the hillside. The cattle were kept on the ground floor and the up-hill side of the barn faces northwest. That means the “living” area is sheltered from the winter cold. With hay to insulate the ceiling, the ground to keep the northwest side warmer and solar heating from windows on the south side of the barn, caws and horses would be comfortable throughout the year.
