Editor’s Note: This company media release is unedited, for your information.

Many farmers who have experienced large grain harvests in recent seasons now realize they need more grain storage capacity as they look ahead to anticipated production for 2017.

Installing a completely new grain storage system is a good long-term solution for expanding capacity and improving efficiency. However, for farmers who may be facing budget or time constraints this season, another option is an interim expansion strategy to help meet 2017 grain storage needs, according to GSI (Grain Systems, Inc.).

Gary Woodruff, GSI conditioning applications manager, says there are cost-effective strategies to add more capacity for this season in a way that also enables new grain handling/storage equipment to be incorporated into a future new system on adjacent land. 

 “A short-term, interim expansion this year can meet anticipated grain storage needs for 2017 more quickly and at a significantly lower cost than planning and installing a completely new grain storage system, yet still provide the components of a future new system,” Woodruff explains.

                With careful planning and strategic choices in grain handling equipment, Woodruff says a storage or drying expansion now may become part of a later, larger system next to today’s outdated installation. 

                Noting there are products that lend themselves to this type of expansion, following are Woodruff’s recommendations to meet 2017 storage needs:

Woodruff notes that the cost of an interim expansion project will vary by farm, depending on current and future capacity needs. “However, this two-step approach provides a much lower upfront cost, and is an investment that will support a future new system.”  

For more information, farmers can contact their GSI dealer or visit www.grainsystems.com.