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Silos Education and Training

Make it to the top with silos education and training

By Tara McClendon, Freelance Writer/Editor Tara McClendon
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.

 

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.

 

  • 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.

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