Grain storage tanks and related structures have provided a critical component of the food distribution process for centuries. Though some think of them as "silos," (when often, silos will be filled with a silage product), grain storage tanks are readily recognized as large bins and free-standing tanks seen on large farm operations. Many know about the specific safety risks of these tanks, including the risk of being submerged in the product, or the risk of fire.

Those looking to safeguard farm operations and grain handling procedures can get safety resources from the web. Farm managers and owners can look for diverse tools for optimizing long term or temporary grain storage procedures and situations:

1. Farm decision makers can use college or university resources to send staff to school or to benefit from in-depth online program information about grain handling and grain storage.

2. Grain handling managers can find independent consulting firms for further training or resources on larger grain storage tanks or smaller metal or plastic grain storage "hoppers" for transit.

3. Farm staff can use guidelines and info online to secure their safety and promote health in using grain storage buildings.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find grain storage training resources from colleges and schools

Scholastic resources are a top source of helpful knowledge on how to get in-depth training, as well as information learned from a school's research departments on best farming practices. Find both of these options from the online catalogs of state schools and colleges.

I recommend: Get very detailed information on restrictions and standards for grain storage at the Stored Product and Research Education Center at Oklahoma State University. OKU also offers course work in this area. For another example of the diverse course work around grain storage monitoring from other schools, see the online catalog at the University of Kentucky.

Look for training on grain storage and grain handling from consultants

Consulting firms also help farms beef up safety on grain storage management and other operations. Ask about what these companies can do to help make sure a farming center is run safely and with an eye toward profit and health.

I recommend: Despite a few prominent typos on the site, Grain Safety Specialists offers credible background and specialized training for grain storage bins and structures, in areas like "grain engulfment" that constitute primary safety hazards. For another kind of educational training resource, like this one from an insurance company, try the safety videos on grain handling at the Cooperative Mutual Insurance Company site.

Use online info pages for more learning about grain storage

Farm staff can also take advantage of online guidelines, tips and methodology documentation from regulatory agencies or other sources.

I recommend: This National Safety Council fact sheet represents an example of the kind of informative page resources out there on the web for help with using grain storage bin types and related structures. For input from the top federal source, see the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's grain handling publication.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make the most of grain storage tanks education and training by letting the community know that your farm has undergone this kind of work and values safety as a top priority. Hopefully, this initiative will 'trickle down' to other operations and promote worker safety across the nation, as well as awareness of common grain storage risks.

Grain storage for large and small businesses is available in a number of forms. Common options include a grain storage bin, grain storage tank or grain storage buildings. The structures can be permanent, with a high-end initial cost, or temporary grain storage tanks, for the amount of time they are needed, such as during harvest seasons.

When selecting grain storage options, it is essential to look at your operation. The most common distinctions are in the size, function and the material used in the construction of the system. When purchasing a corn storage tank, consider the amount of product you plan to have. Wet holding tanks and top drying systems are additional options to consider. These are the most common types of grain storage tanks:

1. Farm grain storage bins are a common option for farmers. These hold 90,000 or more bushels of grain product.

2. Commercial storage bins and silos range in size, with some capacities available for more than 710,000 bushels of grain.

3. Commercial hopper tanks are another option for those organizations needing easy hopper unloading, with capacities that reach above 50,000 bushels.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Select on-site grain storage to reduce shipping costs

On-site grain storage management is helpful to those businesses looking to optimize profits by holding their own product.

I recommend: Grain Systems (GSI) offers a series of storage facilities including farm grain bins, grain aeration and conditioning that maximizes on-site storage. Behlen Mfg. Co. offers grain storage bins that can withstand heavy winds and large amounts of snow by providing a roof that withstands up to 20 pounds of pressure per square foot.

Utilize specific corn storage tank systems

With the growth of Ethanol alternative fuel, selecting a grain storage silo that fits the needs of your business will boost your bottom line.

I recommend: Choose corn storage tanks that provide a corrugated steel silo design for optimum life expectancy and delivery, like those offered by SCAFCO Corporation. To carry over the life expectancy of the corn into the following year, consider rubber liner sealed grain storage, which eliminates any grain loss as well. Lester Buildings LLC offers this grain storage solution for bulk grain storage for long-term needs.

Invest in a layer of plastic for grain storage in existing buildings

When existing building grain storage is necessary, consider the importance of plastic grain storage mediums. Earthen floors, concrete floors or other flooring is dangerous to grains. But a layer of heavy duty plastic will protect the grain in the long term. Existing buildings such as warehouses, machinery storage buildings and livestock buildings may be used in this manner when necessary.

I recommend: For other temporary grain storage solutions, consider plywood temporary grain storage bins like those offered by Willwood Industries. Steel or plywood are options for temporary use. For farm grain storage, consider Walters Buildings, for temporary and permanent solutions that are sized to meet your product's demand.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Purchase grain storage based on your farm or business's specific needs on a permanent basis whenever possible. This will reduce the long-term costs as temporary storage for products is often more expensive within two-to-three years of use.

Whether you are a novice or expert, we hope you find these key terms useful for researching grain storage tanks.

These terms were chosen to help you communicate effectively with clients and other industry professionals. It reduces confusion on concepts and specifications so you manipulate products and equipment effectively.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Grain storage tank

Also called a grain storage bin, the tank is a structure generally made from metal, which holds and stores grain. Its design helps prevent the grain from rotting.

I recommend: M&W Tank Construction offers a detailed summary of a grain storage tank. It points out the advantages of using a flat bottom tank.

Commercial hopper tank

This type of tank has a funnel shape. Using gravity, the grain enters the top and exits out the bottom.

I recommend: CTB highlights Brock Grain Systems, which offers consumers hopper tanks. The site also shows images of the tanks so clients know what to expect.

Corrugated steel silo

This term refers to steel shaped into parallel folds and furrows. It adds strength to a structure.

I recommend: Designed for strength, Grain Systems offers clients steel corrugated grain storage tanks that hold over 710,000 bushels of grain.

Rubber liners

You can use rubber liners to keep grain from escaping from storage bins and to keep the grain fresh.

I recommend: Royal Liner offers flexible rubber liners for storage tanks. It offers custom fittings for big tanks, even offering pre-made sections.

Flat bottom tank

This is a commonly used type of tank for grain storage. They stand at ground level and hold two-week, one-month or one-year supplies of grain.

I recommend: Feed Machinery explains in detail the different types of storage bins available for clients wishing to store grain. It offers pros and cons of each type and comments that the flat bottom tank is the most popular for grain.

Conical grain storage tank

This type of tank allows grain to put equal pressure on storage tank walls with minimal surface area used.

I recommend: The FAO Corporate Document Repository offers a look at factors one might want to consider when storing grain in bulk. It explains the science behind the conical storage tank and recommends ideal ratios for construction.