Best Grain Silos for Long-Term Wheat Storage in Australia

For Australian grain growers, storing wheat on-farm can provide greater control over harvest logistics, grain quality and when and how grain is marketed. But once wheat goes into storage, protecting the quality of that grain becomes just as important as producing it in the first place.

The best grain silo for long-term wheat storage isn't simply the largest silo available. A good storage system needs to help manage some of the major risks associated with stored wheat, including temperature, moisture, insects, mould and quality deterioration.

For long-term wheat storage in Australian conditions, some of the most important considerations include gas-tight sealing, aeration, storage capacity, grain monitoring, effective unloading and a silo designed for Australian conditions.

So, what should you look for when choosing a silo for long-term wheat storage?

 

Gas-Tight Sealing for Effective Fumigation

One of the most important features for long-term wheat storage is the ability to effectively manage stored grain pests.

A gas-tight, sealable silo allows fumigation to be undertaken effectively when required. Maintaining the appropriate fumigant concentration is important for controlling insects throughout their life cycle and reducing the risk of unsuccessful treatments.

Kotzur's  gas-sealed grain silos are designed for medium and long-term grain storage using phosphine or controlled-atmosphere insect control. The silos are designed with reference to AS 2628 Sealing Grain Silos for Fumigation and incorporate long-lasting structural seals and a high-capacity oil bath relief valve.

When comparing wheat storage silos, don't simply ask whether the silo is "sealed". Ask whether it has been designed and manufactured to the relevant Australian Standard for gas-tight grain storage.

 

Aeration to Help Maintain Grain Quality

Grain temperature is another important consideration when storing wheat for extended periods.

Without aeration, grain can retain its harvest temperature and moisture for long periods. This can contribute to increased insect activity, mould development and deterioration in grain quality.

Aeration cooling uses airflow through the stored grain to help reduce and equalise grain temperatures. Kotzur's silos incorporate aeration systems designed specifically for this purpose.

The Kotzur Aeration Controller can further assist by monitoring ambient temperature and humidity and operating silo fans when conditions are suitable for cooling.

Where moisture needs to be removed from grain, aeration drying may also be considered. Kotzur's aeration systems provide the higher airflow required for aeration drying in flat bottom silos.  This system is available for all silo types including transportable, cone bottom and flat bottom silos.

The right aeration system will depend on the silo, grain, local conditions and what you're trying to achieve.

 

Choose the Right Storage Capacity

There is no single ideal silo size for every wheat-growing operation.

Before selecting a silo, consider not only how much wheat you currently produce, but how you want your storage system to operate.

Factors may include:

·         annual production

·         different wheat grades and varieties

·         Other crops within the rotation

·         harvest logistics

·         existing storage

·         available site area

·         grain marketing strategy

·         future expansion

For large-volume wheat storage, on-ground or flat bottom silos can provide an effective solution.

Kotzur's Australian Made on-ground silo range is specifically designed for large-volume, medium and long-term grain storage, with scalable configurations that can form part of larger storage systems.

It may also be beneficial to divide total capacity across multiple silos. This can provide greater flexibility to segregate grain according to variety, grade, quality or intended market.

Rather than only asking "How many tonnes can this silo hold?", consider "How will this storage configuration work with the way I harvest, manage and market my wheat?"

 

Consider How Your Grain Will Be Monitored

Long-term wheat storage isn't a "fill it and forget it" process.

Stored grain should be regularly monitored for changes that could indicate a developing problem. This can include checking grain temperature and moisture as well as monitoring for insects and other signs of deterioration.

The design of the storage facility should therefore make ongoing grain management practical.

Kotzur on-ground silos incorporate features including sight glass level indication, a clean internal design without internal stiffeners and a range of unloading and sweep auger configurations.

Combining suitable silo design with good storage management practices helps protect the quality and value of wheat throughout the storage period.

 

Think About Unloading and Grain Handling

Getting wheat into the silo is only half the equation. How it comes out is just as important.

Consider:

·         How quickly will trucks need to be loaded?

·         How frequently will the silo be emptied?

·         Where does the grain go after storage?

·         Will permanent conveyors or elevators be required?

·         Will grain need to move between silos?

·         What capacity does the unloading system need to achieve?

Flat bottom silos generally require mechanical unloading equipment, with sweep systems assisting with removing the remaining grain.

Kotzur offers different unloader sizes and duty-cycle designs, while storage facilities can also be integrated with conveying and handling systems to suit the wider operation. Designing the storage and handling system together can help ensure the silo doesn't become a bottleneck during harvest or outloading.

 

Plan for Future Expansion

A grain silo is a long-term infrastructure investment, so it's worth thinking beyond the next harvest.

Your current requirement may be additional wheat storage, but what could the operation look like in five or ten years?

You may eventually want to add:

·         more silos

·         overhead conveyors

·         bucket elevators

·         additional grain segregation

·         walkways and access systems

·         automated grain handling

·         additional receival or outloading equipment

Kotzur's standard on-ground silo design provides structural capability (as standard) to support future overhead infrastructure such as walkways, conveyors and handling equipment, allowing facilities to expand and evolve over time.

Considering future expansion during the initial design process can make it easier to develop the site as your operation grows.

Are Flat Bottom Silos Best for Long-Term Wheat Storage?

For growers requiring substantial long-term wheat storage, flat bottom or on-ground silos are often an excellent option.

Their combination of high storage capacity, gas-tight sealing, aeration options and integration with mechanical unloading and grain handling systems makes them particularly well suited to large-scale wheat storage.

Kotzur's on-ground silos are designed specifically for medium and long-term storage and can accommodate wheat alongside other commodities including barley, canola, faba beans, lentils, sorghum, oats, chickpeas and lupins.

However, flat bottom silos aren't the only option. Elevated cone bottom silos may be more appropriate where rapid gravity discharge, frequent turnover or segregation is a priority. Kotzur's Large Elevated Sealed Gastight Silos are also suitable for long-term grain storage and use an elevated hopper design to facilitate rapid emptying.

For some operations, the best solution may incorporate both flat bottom and elevated silos as part of an integrated grain storage and handling facility.

Choosing the Best Wheat Storage Silo for Your Operation

Ultimately, there isn't one "best" wheat silo for every Australian grower. The best grain storage solution is one designed around your operation, your grain, your harvest, your site and your future plans.

When comparing silos for long-term wheat storage, consider gas-tight sealing, aeration, capacity, monitoring, unloading, grain handling, future expansion and ongoing support.

At Kotzur, we design and manufacture everything from individual grain silos through to integrated storage, handling and processing facilities. With more than 70 years of experience and Australian manufacturing capabilities, our team can work with you to develop a solution tailored to your operation.