In Australia, silos have long been dominating the landscape as the primary method of storing grain, encompassing an impressive 79% of on-farm grain storage facilities nationwide. This trend is indicative of a growing shift towards bulk storage, driven by its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. According to industry experts, the larger the silos, the more economical the storage becomes per tonne, as overhead and fixed costs are spread across a larger capacity.
The country is poised for a remarkable third consecutive record grain crop, with wheat production estimated to reach an unprecedented 37 million metric tons in the marketing year 2022/23. Simultaneously, barley is set to achieve the fourth-largest production on record, totaling an estimated 13.5 million metric tons. These milestones underscore the resilience and productivity of Australia's agricultural sector, where the strategic use of silos plays a crucial role in accommodating and managing the abundance of harvests.
Preservation of Grain Quality
Top of mind for farmers is the preservation of grain quality, as high-quality grains command a premium price in international markets. Australia's prone to unpredictable and often harsh weather conditions, which makes the attainment of quality preservation a challenging feat.
For better control over grain quality, integrating silos into farming is a game-changer. Grain silos offer hygienic and dry storage conditions, facilitating the retention of high quality, moisture-free grains.
Through proper aeration and ventilation, grain silos provide an optimal environment for stored grains to remain cool and dry, preventing spoilage due to moisture buildup. Countries that lack the proper storage infrastructure often face significant post-harvest losses due to poor quality control measures and inadequate protection from pests and moisture.
In developing nations, these losses can reach up to 15%, a fairly common occurrence in locations where grain storage methods are still at a rudimentary stage. In fact, in parts of Africa and the Latin American region, the lack of effective grain storage methods can lead to losses of over 50%.
Cost-Effective Storage Solutions
Although the upfront costs of purchasing and installing silos may seem steep, they ultimately prove to be more cost-effective than traditional methods of storage.
For instance, using silos eradicate the need for ongoing operational expenses, may it be in the form of renting land or the labour costs that result from constantly moving grain around. With a more streamlined and efficient method of storing grain, farmers are able to focus on other aspects of their operations, such as crop management and marketing.
The obvious benefits of silos are apparent in the long run, where grain loss is substantially reduced, and better quality grain commands a higher price. Efficiency in storing grain also leads to improved turnaround times and allows farmers to manage a larger harvest, which can directly impact their bottom line.
Future-proof your harvests with us!
Burando Hill, a leading name in the agricultural industry, offers top-tier grain storage solutions designed with the modern farmer in mind. As experts in grain storage, our silos are built with the specific needs of Australian farmers in consideration. Contact our team today to learn more about our range of products and how we can assist in securing your harvests for the future.
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