Farm work is hard enough without unnecessary obstacles getting in the way. That is why some farmers would say planning an efficient grain system often benefits their operation.
Farmers work hard all season to get the most yield on every acre. System location and physical layout are important considerations to reaching that goal.
“Having a grain system on a major roadway or a major highway is extremely beneficial. You can haul grain throughout the year. Those major roadways are usually clean and clear. And having a system close enough to your fields also helps cut down in the cost of fuel and transportation time from the field to the grain facility.”
But there is more to it...
“Another important topic to look at is the actual traffic pattern when you bring trucks in to exiting trucks from your system. You don’t want to create a bottleneck. Anytime that we can keep the truck moving it’s more beneficial and more economical for the farmer.”
McGahey notes farmers are often faced with the decision of expanding an existing grain system or building a new one.
“When looking at expanding or building a new system, a lot of the limiting factors that help make a decision are your capacity needs. Most of the time an existing system is maxed out at what capacity you can run.”
Starting the process with the proper tools can help maximize yield.
“With the technology these days and with seed companies producing higher quality seed, yields becoming larger capacity seems to be a majority of the issues and it is a limiting factor in trying to expand a current operation.”
He adds sometimes it is not financially feasible to expand an outdated system.
Related:
How the grain industry is using tech to combat supply chain issues
War in Ukraine is causing the biggest grain dislocation since WWI
NCBA offers progress report on HAULS Act