Seismic Shake-Up: Improving grain bin construction to withstand severe storms

Researchers at the University of Nebraska Lincoln are looking to bolster grain bins across the state to withstand earthquakes and windstorms.

Inspired by Iowa’s 2020 derecho that caused an estimated $11 billion in damages, Dr. Christine Wittich and her team hope their research on seismic shake tables leads to better construction standards for bins.

Grain bins are a key piece of infrastructure in Rural America...with an estimated 750,000 located across the country. The loss of a single grain bin can cost up to $250,000, and damages to them are typically not covered by crop insurance policies.

Related Stories
Experts warn pests could reduce yields and raise costs for producers
Dr. Gold encouraged farmers and ranchers to prioritize eye safety in their daily routines, offering his expertise to help reduce risks on this week’s Rural Health Matters.
Recent USDA reports show a steady feedlot supply despite growing consumer demand for beef, ahead of typical seasonal summer trends.
Citrus production depends heavily on reliable irrigation, making water shortages a critical issue for South Texas growers moving forward.
Lower costs improve competitiveness, but demand remains uncertain.
Policy clarity will determine the trajectory of soybean crush demand, but producers in Kansas have shown that expanding local crush capacity strengthens basis and marketing options.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Let’s meet FarmHER Katie Hitchcock, a Salinas Valley, Calif.-based sweet baby broccoli producer. She stars in an episode of the FarmHER, which returns to RFD-TV this September.
Premieres Tue, 9/3/24 – 9 PM ET | 8 PM CT | 7 PM MT | 6 PM PT
Global food prices inched upward for the third consecutive month according to the latest FAO Food Price Index. While some Americans struggle to source their next meal, others are ordering high-priced food delivery straight to their door more than ever before.
Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser took time to visit our Nashville studio and discuss his state’s integral support of CMA Fest with longtime friend, RFD-TV’s own Tammi Arender.
The JBS Australia study documented the carbon footprints of 176 cattle farms that claimed to be implementing regenerative agriculture practices.
Community gardens are believed to increase fruit and vegetable intake in an area, provide educational opportunities, and even lead to community beautification.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.