The Australian Farmer

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the australian farmer

Designing for resilience and return As part of its innovation focus, Central Steel Build has designed dairy barns to boost cow comfort and improve farm returns. Input from global dairy experts has shaped structures that support herd health and productivity. Dairy farmer Andrew Marks is already seeing re- sults. Since CSB built a 90m x 20m x 5.5m compost barn on his NSW property in early 2024, milk pro- duction has jumped 30%. “In our first year, we’ve had a 30% increase in milk production. The cows are more comfortable and content; they know the sawdust is the first place to head in any weather. Herd health is much better. We’ve had a lot of wet weather recently, and their hoof health is at a much higher level than you’d expect because they’re staying dry. We’re really happy with how it’s worked out, and we’re building another hay shed with CSB now,” says Marks. With healthier cows, weather protection, and clear gains, Marks says the investment has paid off. That same focus on structural resilience during Cyclone Alfred in April 2025, when CSB’s design for macadamia grower Tony Flick’s machinery shed stood strong while much of the surrounding infra- structure was flattened. “It was the one thing left standing, completely undamaged,” says Flick. “It’s a true testament to the quality and craftsmanship.”

It leads with values… - integrity, collaboration, in- novation, continuous improvement, and long-term value for clients and communities. “We’re big enough to handle complexity, but small enough to care about the detail,” says CEO John Wetzler. “That’s what sets us apart.” More than a shed: collaboration from day one For CSB, a structure is a long-term investment shaped by how it’s used, not just what goes inside. “Every project starts with listening to the client,” says Gerald. “We ask questions like: What problem are you trying to solve? How do you want to use this structure now, and how might that evolve in the future? Those conversations often lead to deeper insights that guide our design.” This approach delivered powerful results for Andrew Whale, a veterinarian and sheep farmer who partnered with CSB in 2022 to develop a cus- tom shearing shed and yard cover. The project in- volved early design collaboration, on-site assess- ments, and close integration with specialist fit-out providers. “The entire process was handled professional- ly,” says Andrew. “There was seamless coordina- tion at every stage. My business partner has since ordered another shed from CSB, which speaks vol- umes about our satisfaction.”

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