An infrared heater for use in an agricultural setting, particular for use in poultry houses, is provided that includes a burner assembly supported by an opposing pair of generally T-shaped end plates. The heater further includes a pair of emitter assemblies having a parabolic configuration that are each supported by an elongated emitter support. The emitter assemblies surround an inner core member assembly that in part define burn chambers. The heater includes a pair of end deflector members that together with the parabolic inner surfaces of the emitter assemblies direct infrared heat outwardly and downwardly in a wide and generally quadrilaterally shaped heat footprint.