After harvesting, crops must be transported and stored correctly to preserve grain quality. The quality of the grains depends on the storage method, the means used for preservation, and how well various conditions affecting the grains can be controlled. It is common to see farmers using the cheapest storage options, despite the significant amounts they’ve invested in land preparation and harvest. This often results from a lack of understanding about the changes that occur in grains during storage and the quality standards they rely on. Although there are several storage methods for grains, metal silos are the most effective and cost-efficient solution, which I will explain below.
Metal silos consist of several interconnected curved metal panels that form a sturdy structure. They vary in storage capacity, ranging from 5 tons to 50 tons per silo. The base is made of a strong, solid concrete foundation. The silos are equipped with ventilation and drying systems to control temperature and humidity levels. They also come with a screw conveyor or belt conveyor to facilitate the loading and unloading process.
- Effective control of moisture and temperature.
- Completely sealed against insects and rodents.
- Relatively low levels of impurities due to cleaning devices.
- Can be fumigated and sanitized at any time through the ventilation system.
- Easy disassembly when needed for relocation or sale.
- Resistant to rust caused by rain and snow due to galvanization.
- Ability to build silos with storage capacities reaching up to 1 million tons in a single location.
- Storage of grains (wheat, barley, corn, and all legumes).
- Storage of feed materials after production.
- Feeding flour mills.
- Feeding grain carriers to facilitate export, such as being positioned near ports or for road transport by trucks.
- Feeding feed factories through specialized conveyors to and from the silo and discharge pits.
