Farm silos are designed to store silages and high-moisture grains that are used to feed livestock. They are a common fixture in the farming industry and the growth in population and production leads to an increase in demand for metal silos and grain storage solutions.
The primary function of a silo is to provide protection from the elements to increase the storage life of the grains. Silos are also a crucial element in the overall operation for the entire system of grain storage. As well as this, silos support monitoring equipment used to track both the temperature and quality of the grains. Metal silos have the capabilities of handling a multitude of products with regards to agriculture and are an extremely important aspect of the farming industry as a result. Agricultural silos work by creating a pressurised area within a cylindrical container. There are several different types of silos. They all vary slightly in design but operate in the same manner to prevent animal food from rotting.
In addition to keeping food safe, the bottoms of silos can be removed from the rest of the unit, allowing the contents to be unloaded. Food is removed from silos by using farm machines known as ‘unloaders’. The food must be removed within a certain period of time to keep the contents of the silo fresh.
There are more options than ever before when it comes to choosing a silo. There are many different types that cater for different requirements. However, no matter which silo you choose, the contents must be free of insects, mold and chemical residues. When considering on-farm storage and deciding which silo to go for depends entirely on your requirements, your livestock and the type of contents the silo will be holding. Different types of silos include:
- Sealed silos – The purchase of a sealed silo is an important investment for better grain insect control. Insects must be controlled in stored grain as they damage grains and excrete moisture that can migrate to the headspace and cause molding.
- Silo bags – A silo bag is good for the storage for grains, even when they are wet. It is made of a three-layer (white/black) film and offers UV protection.
- Aerated silos – An aerated Silo is specifically designed for fine powders. The material is aerated by pumping air into the bottom of the silo, causing it to act as a fluid whilst the materials discharge from of the bottom of the silo.