TUTORIAL: DIY Portable Shade Structures for Sheep and Goats
BE SURE TO PROPERLY ANCHOR THESE STRUCTURE.
This DIY portable shade structure allowed me to launch a rotational grazing program for my sheep over summer at a fairly low cost. Because I found the hog paneling on sale, the total cost of one of these shade structures was just $60. It took 4 of these DIY shade structures to comfortably shade my 25 sheep. Every time I moved to a new paddock, I simply flattened the shade structures and pulled them to the new spot.
If the wind was set to be greater than 10MPH, I had to make sure I anchored each structure with tent stakes. Otherwise, these shade structures would literally fly across my pasture like a kite. Be aware of the deficiencies in this design, but also know that this list and tutorial will give you a good starting place for cheap, portable shade structures for a rotational grazing program.
Each portable shade structure requires:
16×4′ Feedlot Panel (you can go wider than 4′, but I wouldn’t go any longer than 16′)
Plastic Zip Ties
2 Lengths of 90″ long CHAIN Link
4 Metal Snap Hooks
Blue Polyester Tarp (might recommend choosing shade cloth instead. The blue tarp is waterproof, but does not have much UV tolerance)
4 Tent Stakes
I hope this helps you!
-the Shepherdess
“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1
