Storing dry grain for higher profit gains
The global market for dry grain makes it more critical than ever for farmers to stay updated on current and forecast market values for various agricultural exports. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Outlook for U.S Agriculture Trade, experts forecast a value of $131.5 billion for exports in the fiscal year 2016. This is down $7 billion from expectations in August, and $8.2 billion below the final numbers for 2015.
Imports have been forecast at a record $122 billion, which is $8 billion higher when compared to fiscal 2015.
Experts believe the various grain exports are down due mainly to the cuts in volume to certain grain products. Specifically, wheat has lost competitiveness in South America, and diminished foreign reserves translate to lower U.S. exports. For farmers, properly storing wheat and other grains while the value is low is critical for maximizing profit.
“Aeration and observation are among some of the common issues farmers face when storing grain.”
Already, wheat may have value recognized by commercial buyers as indicated by equities.com, so investing in an appropriate structure that ensures the longevity of harvest is critical.
Storing grain appropriately
According to the Agriculture Engineer’s Digest, a Purdue University publication, aeration and observation are among some of the common issues farmers face when storing grain. A fabric covered building from Winkler Structures can address both of these problems in one fell swoop.
The highest quality materials are used to construct these fabric buildings, and customizable options allow farmers to tailor the structure to their needs. Increased ventilation options will better guarantee proper aeration of stored grain. Individuals can ensure air can be moved throughout the building to prevent mold and insect activity that are perpetuated by moisture.
According to the University of Minnesota Extension, exterior temperatures partnered with moisture content can have an impact on the maximum storage time for grains such as shelled corn. The lower the temperature and moisture content, the longer grain can be stored. A fabric building‘s internal temperature can be controlled to ensure maximum storage time in conjunction with its aeration abilities.
In fact, the climate control capabilities of a building from Winkler Structures allows farmers to keep buildings 10 to 15 degrees cooler or warmer depending on the environment. During warm months, individuals can feel confident their grain will stay cool throughout their storage life.
Observation of grain can be a dangerous task. However, it is necessary to complete this task on a weekly basis during the fall and spring months when temperatures fluctuate a great deal. Because fabric covered buildings from Winkler Structures are engineered specifically for the unique needs of each customer, farmers can ensure they can more easily and safely observe grain throughout the storage life of the grain.
Investing in a durable building
Winkler Structures prides itself in building products that will protect the assets of its customers. The tensioned fabric and steel design used for these clear span structures withstands snow, rain, sleet, wind and heat conditions for extended periods of time. In fact, Winkler Structures’ fabric buildings remain standing after 20 or more years of exposure to the elements.
In addition, the polyethylene membrane used for a Winkler Structures fabric storage building combines both flame retardant properties as well as UV resistance, which further guarantees optimal protection of assets.
Farmers seeking a durable and appropriate storage solution for their grain should look no further than Winkler Structures. By investing in a fabric covered building, individuals can feel confident in a climate-controllable structure that allows them to properly observe and aerate their current stockpile of grain.