On the farm, tarps are used for far more than simply covering farm equipment. Yes, they do a great job protecting various pieces of farm machinery that cannot be put indoors and other tools that may be damaged if they are left exposed to the elements. Moreover, they are very useful, even mandatory (in certain areas) for hauling garbage to the dump. However, farmers have learned that tarps have many more uses, and are one of the most essential and versatile things on the farm.

Tarps are great for protecting livestock. Many people do not realize that herd animals often require shade. A farmer can quickly and easily build a lean-to or overhead shelter to provide extra shade during extremely hot weather. Either they can tie the tarp between trees, or they can use PVC piping to build a simple frame for the tarp. When they do build this kind of structure, they have to take care that it is high enough off the ground that it will not be damaged by horns or antlers. They also have to ensure that it is not too high, or it may be virtually useless.

Many farmers do not keep their livestock in barns over the winter; instead, the herds are left in the field. To help them through the very cold months a farmer will often use a tarp to create a lean-to structure. Farmers are careful to make certain that they close in two sides of the shelter. They try to make sure that they do not close in the shelter, but rather create a front and back exit. This type of shelter may cause animals to panic, and it also creates a wind tunnel effect rather than a block. Additionally, farmers have to be careful to make certain that the tarp is securely attached to the ground because they do not want it to blow away during a storm.

On the farm, tarps are frequently used to line irrigation systems. Farmers are often required to direct the flow of water in an effort to get an area to dry out because water is pooling, or alternatively to bring water to a particularly dry place. Tarps are a fast and effective way to line a tunnel or water channel. They are waterproof, will not rot and are light weight and easy to handle. By using tarps, farmers can build fast effective irrigation systems that are relatively inexpensive. Another benefit of using tarps to create the system is that they can move the channels with a minimal effort should the need arise.

The modern farmer is always looking for fast and better methods of doing the traditional chores on the farm. They are quickly learning that a tarp can be an invaluable piece of equipment to have on hand and can help them achieve many different goals.