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
Tight supplies are driving stronger early-year cattle prices.
EPA Administrator Scott Mason shares updates on farm equipment regulations, regional accomplishments, and federal efforts supporting agriculture in honor of National Ag Day.
Acreage shifts could impact pricing and marketing plans.
Herd growth and exports supporting dairy outlook.
Strong exports continue to support corn despite larger supplies.
Bigger stocks may limit upside in cotton prices.

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:

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins shared a behind-the-scenes look at the journey as part of what’s being called the “Great American Egg Road Trip.”
Michael Cliver discusses his recent visit to the White House with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and the Trump Administration’s “Working Families Tax Cuts” impact on ranching families.
The 2026 Farm Bill advances out of committee, but political divisions delay final passage as lawmakers push to protect farmers, SNAP, and crop insurance programs.
PLC and NCBA Chief Counsel Kaitlynn Glover reacts to the USDA’s new Grazing Action Plan, regulatory relief for ranchers, and the industry’s efforts to improve access to public lands.
Secretary Rollins is signaling a possible reopening of the southern border to Mexican feeder cattle as officials work to manage the threat of the New World Screwworm.
On this week’s Rural Health Matters, Dr. Jeffrey Gold raises awareness about Parkinson’s disease, shares insights on early detection, and offers guidance for patients and families in rural communities.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.