Planning Your Grain System Expansion
As farms grow, yields increase, and efficiency becomes a priority, upgrading or expanding a grain system becomes essential. However, planning your grain system expansion involves several key considerations. Jason Martin, President of A.N. Martin Systems, LLC, shares 10 important factors to keep in mind:- Capacity & Grain Types – Determine the number of grain types you’ll store and their specific handling and storage requirements. Consider whether drying will be necessary and ensure storage capacity aligns with market demands.
- Location – Proximity to customers and markets is crucial. While state highway access enables year-round hauling, a facility near fields reduces transport costs and fuel use.
- Fuel Availability – Access to natural gas can significantly cut drying costs compared to propane.
- Power Requirements – Three-phase power is essential for large grain systems. If unavailable, phase converters can run three-phase motors using single-phase power.
- Future Expansion – Leave room for additional bins, conveyors, and dryers, but also ensure access to necessary utilities like power and natural gas.
- Wet Storage Capacity – As drying volume increases, additional wet bushel storage may be needed to maintain efficiency.
- Truck Load-Out & Pit – Adding a load-out or dump pit can streamline operations and reduce the need for additional trucks.
- Traffic Flow – Design the facility for separate loading and unloading areas to maximize efficiency and reduce bottlenecks during harvest.
- Profitability & Automation – Understand operating costs and potential revenue increases with automation, which can improve efficiency and margins.
- Expansion vs. New Build – Expanding an existing system may be cost-effective if space and integration allow. However, outdated systems may limit capacity and make a new build the better investment.