Success in agriculture can take many forms. Harvesting so much grain that you need additional
storage space for it is one of them!
If you could ask the crows and rats on your farm how you should store your extra grain, they
would tell you to just heap it on the ground and surround it with cat-proof fencing. But if you ask
us how to go about adding new or expanding on existing grain storage systems, we would give
you a few better tips than that.
Take Grain Silo Location Into Account While Planning Expansion
Even if you did not anticipate it, don’t treat your farm’s recent growth like a fluke. When planning
the construction of new grain storage systems, make every effort to reserve space for the
addition of even more bins in the future.
Restricted access to roads can place a stranglehold on your ability to haul grain. When planning
the placement of new bins, make every effort to situate them as close to a state highway as
possible. This foresight will enable you to haul away grain all year long. It will also facilitate
truckers’ delivery of liquefied petroleum, or alternatively make natural gas easier to access.
Take Power Lines Into Account While Planning Expansion as Well
You’re already aware that grain storage bins cannot be erected too close to one another, but
many farmers overlook the necessity of placing new bins safe distances away from power lines.
For example, the National Electrical Safety Code advises placing 35′ tall grain storage
structures at least 105.5′ away from power lines, and also specifies other minimum distances to
maintain between bins of varying heights and nearby powerlines.
You don’t want to place grain bins needlessly far away from power lines, of course, especially if
you anticipate using larger machinery that is operated by three-phase power.
Don’t Neglect Your Drying Capacity
Did you note that your wet storage bin filled up before the end of each day during harvest
season? Then increasing your wet storage capacity would be a sound strategy, but you mustn’t
overlook the value of increasing your drying capacity by upgrading your dryer or erecting a new
dry storage bin.
Diversify Your Bins
If you’re storing a large amount of one type of grain, then you may naturally assume you need
one very large storage bin. But multiple smaller bins can prove more manageable – and better
yet, they will provide you with the option of storing multiple types of grain in the event that you
harvest different crops in the future.
Optimize Your Traffic Pattern
Do not erect new grain storage systems in an arrangement which would prohibit simultaneous
loading and unloading! Preserving your ability to practice intake and outtake at the same time
can translate to a marked increase in net profits during a busy harvest season.
Keep Your Existing Grain Storage Bins in Peak Condition
Adding new storage bins to accommodate increasing yields is always an exciting prospect.
Replacing old bins, on the other hand, is an unsavory task – yet it is one that can often be
avoided with judicious maintenance and repair.
NIJAC serves American farmers for all their insulation, grain silo coating installation and grain
silo repair, metal and concrete silo roof restoration, foundation waterproofing, and grain elevator
repair and maintenance needs. Whether you’re adding new grain storage systems or upgrading
your existing structures, we would greatly value the opportunity to be of service to you. We
welcome you to reach out to NIJAC today!