Summary: It’s said that all bins pay for themselves eventually, but building new or upgrading a bin yard is neither easy nor cheap. Still – bigger bins and better bin technology is important when it comes to keeping grain in excellent condition so you can court better prices. One farmer and two bin manufacturers say a good plan (with blueprints), a phased approach and realistic budgeting will get you what you need.
Advances in Canadian agriculture are touted so positively and so often, it’s hard to think there would be a downside. But sometimes success can have unexpected consequences.
For instance, world-class germplasm has led to ever-better varieties across all crop types, and one evident result is a massive production increase. In 2000, Canada’s collective wheat and canola yield was 33.7 million tonnes. By 2024, the total soared to 53.2 million tonnes. This increase has unquestionably forced farmers to upgrade their on-farm storage capacity. So, what’s new and what should I consider if I want to upgrade my yard?
Naturally, cost, logistics and future storage needs will figure into that equation. But there’s also the idea of using on-farm storage as a risk management tool — that a carefully considered bin yard adds to your autonomy and ability to sell grain when you want to, not when you have to.
New bins mean more options
Harvest is always a crunch time, and this truth took on a whole new meaning last fall for Cale Hubka.
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