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
Join the experts as they bring their latest Hardworking, Smooth-Riding Polaris RANGER models to the studio and recap their participation in RFD-TV’s The American Presented by Polaris RANGER.
Researchers now have new technology to help gauge what healthy cattle eat and how farmers can limit their feed costs, which can be expensive.
Dairy cows produce more milk for heifers than for baby bulls, according to new research from Kansas State University and Harvard University.
The use of ultrasound may make growing beef more efficient.

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:

Agricultural exports continue to be a key contributor to rural employment. However, rural businesses still struggle to fill numerous job openings.
On Champions of Rural America, Rep. Dusty Johnson underscores the Western Caucus’ ongoing commitment to advocating for farmers and rural communities.
Consumer demand for regional food systems is strong, but the challenge lies in scaling production and infrastructure to meet that growing need.
Dave Kestel, a farmer from Will County and member of the Illinois Farm Bureau, joins us to share a boots-on-the-ground update on the 2025 corn harvest.
American Coalition for Ethanol’s Ron Lamberty shares the significance of California’s approval, opening up the country’s largest gasoline market to a cleaner-burning, often lower-cost fuel option.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated this week that the government will intervene to help, following China’s withdrawal from the U.S. soybean market. One trader says the industry will remain in a holding pattern until Tuesday.
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.