In today’s unpredictable farming environment, protecting your agricultural assets isn’t just a precaution — it’s a necessity. Across the UK, farmers face ongoing challenges from extreme weather, rising costs, and ever-evolving regulations. From a sudden downpour that ruins stored hay to frost damaging vulnerable crops, even a single event can lead to significant losses.
This is where tarpaulins come in — the unsung heroes of British agriculture. Affordable, flexible, and easy to use, modern tarps have become indispensable for farms of all sizes. Whether it’s shielding a grain stack from the rain, covering a tractor through winter, or setting up temporary livestock shelters, tarpaulins offer a smart solution to everyday farming problems.

What makes tarpaulins truly valuable is their versatility. Available in materials like polyethylene, PVC, and canvas, they’re designed to meet different needs — from lightweight, budget-friendly covers to rugged, long-term protection. Plus, many UK suppliers now offer custom sizing, weather-resistant coatings, and reinforced edges to ensure your assets are safe no matter the conditions.

Protecting Agricultural Assets with Tarpaulins

Shielding Crops from Harsh Weather

Crops are among the most weather-sensitive investments on any farm. In the UK, where rain, wind, and even frost can appear unexpectedly, uncovered produce is always at risk. A high-quality tarpaulin offers immediate protection. For example, silage or hay stored outdoors can quickly deteriorate if exposed to excess moisture. By covering stacks with waterproof and UV-resistant tarps, farmers can prevent mould, nutrient loss, and spoilage.
Many choose polyethylene tarps for this use — lightweight, water-resistant, and quick to deploy in changing weather. For longer-term coverage, PVC tarps are ideal due to their durability and resistance to UV degradation. Proper anchoring with bungee cords or tarp clips ensures that covers stay in place even during strong winds.

Covering Farm Machinery & Equipment

Rain, snow, and frost can all cause rust, corrosion, and mechanical failure in uncovered farm machinery. A well-maintained tractor, baler, or sprayer left exposed over winter can quickly develop serious wear and tear — leading to costly repairs, downtime, or even the need for premature replacement. Using high-quality tarpaulins to shield these valuable machines is a simple but smart way to preserve their lifespan and maintain operational efficiency year-round.
Covering your equipment doesn’t have to mean constructing a permanent shelter. UK suppliers like Ian Baumber Tarpaulins offer made-to-measure covers designed to fit specific machinery, offering snug protection that stands up to the elements. These custom covers can be tailored with features like reinforced eyelets, UV resistance, and waterproof coatings — making them suitable for year-round use in tough agricultural environments.
In some cases, breathable canvas tarps are a preferred solution. They allow moisture to escape while still providing solid protection from rain and snow, reducing the risk of condensation build-up and internal rusting — a common issue in humid or fluctuating climates.
Whether you're parking your machines for a season or just shielding them overnight, using the right tarp can significantly extend their service life, improve resale value, and ensure they’re always ready to go when you need them most.
For farmers looking for reliable, farm-grade tarps, Tarpsonline offers a wide range of durable, weather-resistant covers suitable for everything from tractors to trailers. Visit Tarpsonline.com to explore heavy-duty options and custom solutions tailored to your machinery.

Creating Temporary Storage & Shelters

Tarpaulins aren’t just for covering — they can also form instant structures. Need a quick shelter for livestock during a storm? Need to dry freshly harvested grains? Heavy-duty tarps stretched over poles or fencing can form temporary barns, grain tents, or shaded holding areas.
These DIY shelters are especially useful during peak seasons like lambing or harvest, where flexibility and speed are critical. The use of UV-treated PVC tarps ensures protection from both sunlight and rain, keeping animals comfortable and feed dry.

Choosing the Right Tarpaulin for Your Farm

Material Comparison – PE, PVC, and Canvas

• Polyethylene (PE) tarps are the most commonly used. They’re lightweight, waterproof, and budget-friendly — perfect for quick coverage during unexpected showers or temporary crop protection. However, they may not hold up as well under prolonged exposure to sun or stress.
• PVC tarpaulins are stronger and more durable, with excellent UV and abrasion resistance. These are ideal for longer-term applications like equipment covers or semi-permanent storage shelters. They’re heavier but built to last, especially if you’re dealing with high wind or regular handling.
• Canvas tarps offer breathability — a key benefit for covering items that are sensitive to moisture build-up, such as farm tools or hay. They're not always fully waterproof unless treated, but they are durable and eco-friendly.

Size, GSM, and Waterproof Ratings Explained

When selecting a tarp, size matters. Always choose one that extends beyond the item you’re protecting, with extra margin for tying down securely. A tarp rated below 100 gsm is usually economy-grade — good for light use. Mid-grade (110–200 gsm) is suitable for seasonal use, while heavy-duty tarps (above 250–300 gsm) are recommended for year-round protection in tough UK weather.
Look for waterproof or water-resistant ratings, especially if you’re protecting electrical equipment or animal feed. Many UK tarps also include UV-resistant coatings to prevent cracking and brittleness.

Common Mistakes Farmers Make When Choosing Tarpaulins

Even experienced farmers can make errors when selecting or using tarpaulins. Some of the most common include:

• Buying the wrong material for the job
• Ignoring proper anchoring and ventilation
• Overlooking GSM and edge quality
• Using non-breathable tarps where ventilation is needed

By avoiding these mistakes, UK farmers can ensure their investment in tarpaulins pays off — offering effective, long-term protection tailored to their needs.

Conclusion

Farming in the UK comes with its fair share of challenges — from unpredictable weather and muddy conditions to the constant need for asset protection. But one simple, cost-effective tool that continues to prove its worth is the humble tarpaulin.
Whether you're trying to shield a tractor from winter frost, keep hay bales dry after harvest, or create a quick shelter for livestock during a sudden storm, tarpaulins offer unmatched flexibility. With a wide range of materials like PE, PVC, and canvas, and countless sizes and strengths available, there's a tarp for every farm job — big or small.
The key is to choose wisely. By understanding the differences in material, GSM ratings, waterproofing, and correct usage, UK farmers can avoid common pitfalls and get the best value from their purchase. Investing in the right tarpaulin is not just about protecting physical assets — it's about ensuring peace of mind, saving time, and reducing losses across the farming year.
So next time the forecast looks rough or a new stack of feed arrives, ask yourself: is your farm covered — literally? If not, now’s the perfect time to invest in the right tarp and secure your farm’s future, one sheet at a time.

At Tarps UK Premium Quality Covers we offer high-quality, durable tarps designed specifically for farm use — whether it's protecting hay, feed, equipment, or livestock shelters. Don’t wait until the next storm hits.Visit our store today and get the coverage your farm deserves.