9 Best Canadian Suppliers for Grain Handling Equipment
Growers know that grain quality drives profit. But producing a consistent supply of quality grain stock is no easy feat. Several factors can affect your stock.
To ensure your grain business thrives, you need to understand the types of grain damage. Shrinkage risks should also be considered to prevent losses.
These losses might be insignificant at first but they can quickly accumulate over time.
The Cost of Improper Grain Handling
Among the factors that affect grain storage are storage facility cost, interest on grain inventory, extra drying of grain, grain shrinkage, handling cost, and quality deterioration
Studies show one-quarter to one-third of the world’s grain supply is damaged during storage. Damage occurs when grain stock deteriorates for any number of reasons.
Poor handling and storage of grain stock can result in shrinkage. This happens when the grain gets too wet and needs to undergo moisture removal.
Grain can shrink in size and weight during the process lowering its value. On average, shrinkage affects 0.5 to 1% of the total inventory.
We can calculate the losses due to grain shrinkage by multiplying the lost grain stock by the grain’s initial price.
Common Types of Grain Damage
Now that we understand how to calculate the costs of poor grain handling, let’s explore the common types of grain damage we can encounter.
Cracked or Broken Kernels
Broken kernels can be prevented. Harvesting and drying grain mechanically involves moving kernels. Grain-on-grain handling causes stress fractures.
Kernels with stress fractures from improper handling during free falling may split open, devaluing the stock. Cracked kernels lower product value.
Inspectors measure kernels with special sieves to meet USDA standards.
Fungal Growth
As grain deteriorates, storage molds form, which many insects feed on. Moisture, mechanical damage, storage temperature, and other factors cause mold development.
This can lead to mycotoxins. These are crop-grown fungal compounds, the most studied of which is aflatoxin, a chemical with carcinogenic potential.
Pest Infestations
Improperly kept grain is vulnerable to insect and pest damage. Insects and pests harm stored grain. First, they might penetrate storage facilities and eat grain, limiting product volume.
Pest contamination affects grain nutritional value and market value. According to Federal Grain Inspection Service, contamination and worse quality lower the product's market value.
Moisture and Heat Damage
Mold and fungus can grow on grains that were not properly dried before storage. It can ruin grain stock and cost money.
Shrinkage is another concern of poor grain temperature management. Dry grain becomes lighter. Grain that has dried out shrinks and loses value.
Top Suppliers for Grain Handling Equipment
Improper grain handling can be costly. If you’re in the grain production industry in Canada, we’ve curated a list of the ten best Canadian suppliers for grain handling equipment.
Wall Grain
Wall Grain handles everything from storage, drying, site designs, and management. They also feature GrainX Command, an automated grain management platform.
It covers management services, a dashboard to monitor your inventory, storage temperatures, and more. You also get coaching and implementation assistance for their products and services.
RAD
RAD's bulk material handling systems are designed, manufactured, and tested to the highest standards. RAD grain solutions enable clients to harvest effectively using cutting-edge technology.
This supplier has large material handling solutions that are sturdy and reliable. RAD gives your storage and handling facilities endless possibilities with configurable solutions.
GrainX
GrainX Command's interactive AI unit asks storage and environment questions and customizes aeration run-time techniques to enhance grain quality.
It manages and optimizes temperature and moisture control to help you prevent issues like moisture damage and shrinkage.
If you want an affordable 24/7 remote grain monitoring solution, GrainX is your go-to.
AGI Westeel
AGI Westeel offers products such as grain bins, smooth wall bins, stationary and transportable fuel tanks, aeration equipment, and more.
You can also get their AGI SureTrack Farm Management Solution to monitor fields, harvest, and even market your grain products.
ALL SIZE
ALL SIZE offers a variety of custom solutions for your agriculture needs. They specialize in providing new and existing bins, quonsets, or piles. You can also get custom perforation, aeration designs, and grain drying applications.
Their services and products are ideal for agricultural operations aiming to reduce spoilage and enhance profit.
Springland
Springland features four excellent unload systems. This includes their free-flow U-Through Unloader, 6025 Series Commercial Electric and Hydraulic Sweep, and their Springland U-Trough Loader (UTL). The Positive Drive advance mechanism and safer Zero-Entry design make the 6025 Series Sweep the commercial sweep standard.
Chief
Chief customizes grain aeration systems. They use Caldwell fans to offer great performance, reliable service, and quality acceptance for their systems worldwide.
The company offers axial fans designed for top performance, low static pressure aeration systems, centrifugal fans for deeper grain depths, and inline centrifugal fans for medium to high static pressure aeration.
Intragrain
Intragrain offers intuitive monitoring systems that provide quality data to ensure grain quality. Two of their products include Bin-Sense and Fuel Lock. Both are remote monitoring systems for grain and fuel
Mathews Company
M-C manufactures the industry's finest dryers and offers a wide variety of customization choices to ensure a perfect match for your company. They also have a new product that features remote monitoring and control capabilities when you upgrade to M-C Trax.
Key Takeaways
Grain production is a competitive industry. To ensure sustainable profits and a thriving business, growers need a steady supply of quality grain stock. This can be achieved through proper handling and storage of grains.
Here’s a rundown of what you need to know when it comes to grain-handling equipment:
Grain quality is directly related to its price.
Poor handling and storage of grains can result in damage and shrinkage which results in stock losing value.
The common types of grain damage can be prevented if you are proactive with grain management.
The cost of grain shrinkage can be calculated by multiplying the amount lost by the grain’s sales price.
Losses due to damage and shrinkage can accumulate over time resulting in significant losses for businesses.