Silo manufacturers offer a variety of products, including portable cement silos and modular silos. Each type of silo provides different benefits and in some cases, a particular type of silo may work better for a specific type of farming.

Aside from learning about the different types of silos, education and training specific to agricultural storage methods can teach you about important safety features related to the operation of farm equipment. When it comes to your education and training in this field, you may want to consider the following opportunities:

1. Get a basic understanding of the role silos play in farming and learn about the different types.

2. Make safety education a priority for anyone involved in the operation of the silo.

3. Use farming resources to learn more about the cost involved with silos and to understand regulations pertaining to their operation.

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Learn the fundamentals of agricultural silos

The level of education you need to get depends on the role you plan to play in the operation of a farm. For many individuals, the best place to start is with the basics. Most of this information you can find for free online.

I recommend: To learn more about the different types of agricultural silos, read the article published by the College of Agricultural Studies at Penn State. It covers bunker, top-loading and bottom-loading silos. Hanson Companies, a manufacturer of silos, provides an overview for each type of silo that it sells and includes educational information on the benefits of each type.

Understand the safety issues involved in the operation of a silo

There are several safety issues related to the operation of an agricultural silo. Two of the more common ones include the release of toxic gas from fermenting product and fires. Some states require that farm operators receive safety training in order to utilize a silo on their farms.

I recommend: To learn more about the potential risk of nitrous oxide and nitrous dioxide gases in farm silos, read the published warning from the National Safety Council. The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health provides educational training on farm safety for children. It safety training includes a demonstration on the danger of silo gas.

Gain education on the operation of farm silos

Factors that affect silos include the operating costs, the type of loading system and the height and width of the structure. Learning about these factors can provide new insight into how to reduces operating expenses while maintaining safety levels.

I recommend: The International Silo Association offers an operator's manual for silos. It website also provides cost comparisons and other educational tools to help you determine the benefits of tower silos. The State of Michigan provides an in depth look at the process of inspecting silos. It covers specific elements that a silo inspector will examine during an inspection.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are serious about a career in farming, you may want to consider the benefits of a degree in agricultural studies, which will usually cover farm equipment like silos.

Silos are a great way to keep your grain or cement safe and dry, though silos can become a liability if they fall into disrepair. Whether you're looking to erect a new silo, searching for portable cement silos, or need silo parts to repair an existing structure, you can find silo manufacturers online to supply your needs.

Because of the variety of silos available, there are a number of details you need to know before you start looking for silos for sale. Be sure you know how much material you need to store, the construction materials to be used for your silo, the specifications for discharging the material, and any pertinent characteristics of the material being stored. Knowing these specifications will help silo manufacturers supply you with the perfect storage device. Find any type of silo online, including:

1. Agricultural silos

2. Modular silos for storing dry bulk materials

3. Concrete and cement silos

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Find farm silos for your agricultural operation

Agricultural silos are essential for any farming business that harvests grain and needs to keep it safe and dry. Grain bins and grain silos come in all shapes and sizes. Look for a company that sells the silos that fit your farming needs.

I recommend: Conrad American is a manufacturer of farm silos including grain and bulk bins. See their online listing of products to store your grain or oil seed. To find a manufacturer of silos near you, check out StorageSilos.com for listings of suppliers of all types of farm silos, from bolted dry bulk silos to concrete silos. If you need consulting or design help in building a silo, see their index of consulting companies for a local service.

Repair or refurbish your silo with ladders, platforms and silo accessories

You need a way to get to the top of a silo to make repairs and ensure everything is in working order. It's important to fit your silo with ladders and platforms that will remain strong and sturdy for years so you can safely do your job.

I recommend: DeMuth Steel Products sells ladder systems that fit your silo and ensure you comply with all safety standards. Offset platforms are necessary in ladder systems of silos over certain heights. Buy new cages or rungs to replace old ones and ensure stability for years to come.

Purchase portable silos for mobile jobs

Use portable cement silos when you need to transport bulk powder products to a remote location for an ongoing job. Portable silos are built to be towed and erected or taken down with ease.

I recommend: Diversified Storage Systems offers a range of portable silos. Browse their selection for the style and size you need.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Manufacturers of dry bulk silos often manufacture liquid tanks as well. If you need to store bulk liquids, browse the catalogs of standard silo manufacturers for products to store your liquids.

Silos are large storage units used to keep feed dry and free of mold and mildew. Grain products are harvested in the summer and fall and then stored in a silo over the winter months. If the grain gets damaged, the farmer loses not only his winter’s feed but money as well. Without grain he will be forced to either sell his livestock early or purchase feed from an outside vendor. Familiarize yourself with certain types of silos available on the market and other terms related to this product so you choose a silo just right for the storage job.

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Agricultural silo

Agricultural silos, also known as grain silos or bulk bins, are traditionally used on farms. They're used to store dry grains or silage. Agricultural silos come in a variety of sizes and can top out at 300 feet tall. As the silo fills up with grain, the weight compresses the feed to optimize storage space.

I recommend: StorageSilos.com offers a wide range of information on agricultural and other types of silos.

Modular silos

In some areas of the country, silos are not readily available for purchase, and freight charges add up quickly. A modular silo provides a realistic and affordable storage solution. They are easily assembled and reasonably lightweight, which cuts down on shipping costs.

I recommend: Review the designs as Dome Corporation of North America to see what is involved when bringing in a modular storage system.

Portable silos

Portable silos can be set up quickly and handle as much material as many permanent silos. They are particularly beneficial in cases where material handling is a temporary situation.

I recommend: Diversified Storage Systems offers a description of what applications portable silos are best used for.

Ladder systems

Since some silos can stretch over 250 feet in the sky, it is important that there is a safe way to access all parts of the silo. Ladder systems are made specifically for silos, and include offset platforms, cages, uprights, rungs and brackets.

I recommend: Read over the various types of ladder systems available for silos at Demuth Industries.

Discharge systems

Discharge systems, also known as mixer or bin discharge systems are tools that help release viscous material (dry, non-elastic materials) so grain or feed flows freely as it unloads from a silo. There are several types of discharge systems and it's important to have the proper mechanism to unload the silo, otherwise the material that you're storing inside can clump together, blocking the discharge area.

I recommend: Peruse NAVCO’s site which details information on bin vibrators.

Silage

Silage is a fermented crop that is used as cattle feed. The fermenting process preserves the feed and allows it to be stored in a silo for months while remaining safe and nutritious for the animals.

I recommend: North Dakota State University has an informative paper that explains the process of manufacturing silage and storing it safely.

When considering farm grain silos, farmers should take into account the ease and cost of silos installation and maintenance. Large quantities of crops require covered storage that is pest- and contaminant-free. Such storage is essential to a farmer’s livelihood. If the crops spoil, then the farmer loses his paycheck.

Agricultural silos come in all shapes, sizes and styles to fit most bulk grain, fuel and silage storage needs. Silos come in many configurations, including portable cement silos, permanent structures and more flexible steel bulk dry goods housing that is inexpensive, sturdy and effective. Farmers should consider three main points regarding installation and maintenance to find the best option for their needs:

1. Many silo manufacturers can either provide a kit for silo installation, or provide full installation services.

2. Silo dealers can also provide a maintenance schedule with instructions, and they may also be able to provide cleaning and weatherproofing supplies and services.

3. Follow standard farm safety precautions when installing and maintaining silos to prevent injury.

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Compare silo style with installation techniques

Look at the various types of silos and the installation techniques used for each one before deciding which one is best for you. Available finances may dictate what type of installation the buyer chooses. Time and space are two other considerations to think about when choosing between a self-install or a company install.

I recommend: For silo styles to consider and examples of possible situations to think about prior to making a decision, go to Tank Connection. At the bottom of this Patz Corporation website is a list of questions to ask when considering installing a new silo.

Find a manufacturer of silos that offers installation

Many times, companies that offer silos for sale will offer several options to suit most any grower's silo installation needs. The self-sufficient farmer may choose to buy a kit with an installation manual. If time is an issue and money isn't, a producer could opt for full-service installation and, in some cases, regular maintenance as part of the silo purchase package.

I recommend: A silo manufacturer like Chemco Systems can provide in-depth information on preparing the site for the installation of the silo as well as information on what will happen once the silo arrives at the site to be installed. Some manufacturers, like Silo Ventilation Systems, have a list of expert companies they recommend to install their product for them.

Keep the farm safer by inspecting and maintaining silos

It is no secret that farms can be dangerous places to work. The heavy machinery and long workdays increase the danger of injury. Silos are no exception. Though they appear to be harmless, accidents can even occur here. By caring for the buildings and paying attention to suggested maintenance, a farm manager can make the farm a safer place.

I recommend: For a maintenance checklist of items you can perform yourself, visit The Farm Safety Association. Companies like Blancon provide cleaning and maintenance services for those who would rather hire someone for the task, or for instances where the maintenance requires special knowledge and tools.