Start with building a silo when you first get enough materials, the timing is critical since you'll want to collect hay before winter hits. You'll notice grass patches everywhere - each one converts to 4 hay pieces when cut with the golden scythe but only if you've got the silo ready. For optimal positioning place it somewhere that won't block future expansion paths especially near where you'll build animal structures.

Once the silo's done get your basic coop going but make sure you've stored at least 200 hay first. The coop needs to go somewhere with clear ground access for the chickens, and you'll want enough space around it for when you upgrade later. Watch your wood supplies here since you need 300 plus another 350 for the barn that comes next.

After getting animals settled the build order gets more flexible but here's what works consistently: upgrade your animal buildings first, then add a stable for faster movement across the farm which becomes super important during harvest times. Sheds are great for processing equipment but hold off until you actually have enough preserves jars and kegs to fill one. The timing on mill construction depends entirely on when you start growing wheat but usually that's a mid-game priority.

Interesting detail about building placement - try to cluster your animal structures near the silo to minimize morning chore time, but keep some distance between them for grass growth. Your first few structures basically determine your farm's final layout so think ahead about paths and spacing.