5 Modern Feed Storage Options for Modern Farmers

If you’re keeping livestock on your farm then you already know how important it is to keep their feed safe and secure. Improperly stored feed can lead to all kinds of headaches, including financial ones. There are, thankfully, plenty of options for farmers when it comes to feed storage, some are more sophisticated than others, but they all cater to individuals and their needs.

Why Is Proper Feed Storage Important?

Feed storage is an essential part of agriculture. With proper feed storage, you’re not only ensuring that the quality of your livestock’s feed is of the highest quality, but you’re also ensuring the safety of the livestock. An improperly stored feed can quickly become contaminated with mycobacteria, mold, and pests. These issues cause issues for the livestock and, ultimately, lead to a heavy financial loss.

Feed Storage Considerations

There are a number of considerations that farmers need to bear in mind when planning their feed storage solution. As you might consider particular requirements when comparing seed handling equipment, you’ll need to do the same for feed storage.

Moisture Management

Moisture is an important aspect of feed storage. High levels of moisture in storage bins accelerate the growth of mold. The mold in feed can cause major respiratory issues within livestock if consumed which can, potentially, result in death. Any feed storage solution needs to be dry, well-ventilated, and have a system in place that can detect and remove excess moisture.

Source: Canva

Temperature Control

Feed needs to be stored at an appropriate temperature, otherwise issues quickly arise. Too hot or too cold temperatures can affect the nutritional value of the feed. Once the feed has turned it can no longer be used for livestock and is useless. Many storage solutions incorporate temperature regulators and thermometers to measure heat levels.

Pests

Pests are a major concern when it comes to feed management. Once access has been achieved, insects or rodents can quickly decimate a stored feed or contaminate it to the point that it can no longer be used. Any storage bin should be secured against pests and regularly monitored.

Type of Feed

Different feeds require different storage methods. You cannot assume that all feed can be stored in the same way, at the same temperature, etc. Consider the shelf life and specific conditions of each type of feed that you’re storing to maximize effectiveness.

5 Types Of Feed Storage 

These 5 feed storage options cater to a variety of budgets and situations. What works for one farm might not be the best solution for your situation. Therefore, weigh up the benefits of each and keep in mind your feed storage needs. 

Metal Bins

Metal bins are regularly used on farms across the country. They’re cheap, easy to obtain, and relatively portable. These bins vary in size and while you might be able to find some specifically designed to be used as feed storage, many farmers opt to use any metal bin they can find.

They come in a variety of sizes and styles, so it’s worth thinking about the type of feed you’re storing before committing to a particular type. Metal bins can easily trap condensation, so regular maintenance and cleaning are required to keep both the feed and the bin in top condition.

Plastic Containers or Drums

Imagine an oil drum, and that’s what we’re considering here but rather than metal, these containers are made from plastic. Plastic is hard-wearing, easy to mold, and offers great protection from the elements. The plastic used is usually quite thick which acts as a great deterrent against rodents. 

The key issue with many plastic containers, especially plastic trash cans, is that they don’t tend to have particularly good seals on their lids. Very few are actually watertight. This makes both temperature and moisture an issue that needs regular monitoring.

Chest Freezers

Chest freezers aren’t a purposeful choice for feed storage. Chest freezers tend to be used when there literally isn’t any other option. That said, they’re insulated, they have a good seal, they tend to be airtight, and on paper, they make for a great feed storage solution. It’s just that you aren’t going to go out and purchase a chest freezer for the purpose of storing feed.

Portable Grain Bins

Portable grain storage bins are a great solution. For a start, they are specifically designed to store grain and feed. The best of the bins are easily transportable, many have full-sized wheels attached to them. They’re also fitted with ladders to reach the top, seals, traps, and grain delivery devices. All in all, they’re a great solution for feed storage and are available in a variety of sizes with different features. 

Source: Canva

Westeel Grain Bins

If you’re looking for a premium, modern solution that delivers the highest quality feed storage, then permanent, galvanized, corrugated steel bins are your choice. These bins are large structures, permanently situated in a space on farmland. They store huge amounts of feed and can be fitted with the most advanced detection equipment. 

Often these bins are paired with a sophisticated grain monitoring system that measures, reads, and reports on feed temperature, moisture, and other important metrics.

Many silos have the option of including ventilation and automated features to keep the grain in top physical condition.

Source: AGI Westeel

Key Takeaways

Picking the right feed storage solution is essential to the running of your business. Failure to get a valid solution is a quick way to lose feed and potentially harm animals. There are solutions available for every budget, and implementing the right one for you is the key.

• The best solutions increased efficiency with remote monitoring.

• Permanently fixed structures, while not portable, offer the safest solution.

Wondering what the right, modern feed management solution is for your business? It sounds like a short conversation with the experts at Wall Grain is exactly what you need.