What Is the Best Grain Storage Option for Your Farm? | Standwell

Written by Jonny Hornsey | 25 Jun 2020

After long months managing crops, harvest season is the time when all that hard work finally pays off. Storing your freshly harvested grain correctly is crucial to prevent waste, so it's wise to reassess your storage methods to ensure you're using the best option for your farm.

Choosing the right grain storage comes down to your specific needs. The main options available include grain storage bags, silos, and grain sheds. Each has distinct advantages for different situations.

Choosing Your Grain Storage SUmmary of Contents (TL;DR)

Grain Storage Bags: Best for economical, short-term storage, separating grain types, or when you need flexibility for smaller loads.
Grain Silos: A traditional choice for long-term storage of large, consistent grain volumes, offering excellent protection from the elements.
Grain Sheds: The most versatile and cost-effective option for long-term storage, providing easy access, multi-purpose use for machinery, and flexibility for fluctuating harvest sizes.

Grain Storage Options Compared

The best grain storage option is the one that aligns with your farm's harvest volume, budget, and long-term operational needs.

Feature	Grain Storage Bags (Silo Bags)	Grain Silos	Grain Sheds
Best For	Short-term, flexible storage	Long-term, large volume storage	Versatile, cost-effective, multi-purpose storage
Initial Cost	Low	High	Medium to High
Storage Duration	Short-term (max. a few months)	Long-term	Long-term
Versatility	Low	Low (grain only)	High (grain, machinery, fertiliser storage)
Ease of Use	Moderate	Can be difficult to load	Easy (drive-in access)
Key Advantage	Low cost and flexibility	Durability and protection	Versatility and cost-effectiveness
Key Disadvantage	Pest/damage risk, plastic waste	High cost, not for high-moisture grains	Requires large footprint

For most Australian farmers, a grain shed is the best grain storage option. It offers the most versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use for long-term storage. Grain silos are a suitable alternative for consistently large harvests requiring dedicated storage, while grain storage bags are best for short-term or overflow needs.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Grain Storage Bags?

Grain storage bags, also known as silo bags, are a simple and economical choice for farmers harvesting limited amounts of grain or who only need storage for the odd season. They are also useful for separating different grain types and moving smaller loads frequently.

However, storage bags are only suitable for short-term use, typically for a maximum of a few months. Storing grain for longer can affect its quality and lead to pest infestations. The bags require regular inspection, and their plastic construction is a key environmental consideration.

Capacity: 100 to 240 tonnes of grain.
Cost: You can expect to pay around $5 per tonne for each bag.
Best for: Short-term storage or overflow from a bumper crop.

When Are Grain Silos the Right Choice?

Silos are one of Australia's most common grain storage methods. As a large-capacity option, they are ideal for farms that consistently harvest large amounts of grain. Their sturdy construction provides excellent long-term protection from the elements.

On the other hand, silos may not be suitable for all grain types, as high-moisture grains do not empty effectively. They also involve a high up-front cost, which is an essential consideration before you commit. Loading can be difficult without the right equipment, and there are known health and safety concerns. This includes risks from explosive dust and respiratory damage.

Best for: Farmers with consistently large harvests needing dedicated, long-term storage.

Why Are Grain Sheds a Versatile Long-Term Solution?

Grain sheds are often the most practical solution for most farmers. They allow trucks or tractors to drive directly inside for quick and easy unloading, which reduces manual labour and prevents delays during the busy harvest season.

According to long-time customer Gerrit Kurstjens from Kurstjens Farming, who has built many grain sheds and silos, sheds have several key benefits:

Cost-Effective: A grain shed can cost half the price of a silo and store double the amount of grain for the same investment.
Versatile: The vast open space can be used to store farm equipment and machinery when the shed is empty, adding value to your land year-round. A shed can be designed with a workshop or lockable bay.
Suited to Fluctuating Seasons: In drought years, an expensive silo may sit empty. A more economical approach is to build a large grain shed that can store about half your average crop, with extra room for a bumper crop. In a dry year, the empty shed can be filled with machinery.

A grain shed ensures your harvest stays dry and protected from the elements. By using galvanised frames and smart designs, a well-built structure can withstand even the harshest Australian weather conditions.

Explore Your Grain Shed Options

Here at Standwell, we offer versatile grain sheds that can be used to protect your grain harvest or your machinery. Our fully engineered grain sheds will ensure that your harvest remains dry no matter the weather. We use galvanised frames to provide a strong foundation for our buildings and with our smart designs, every structure will be able to withstand even the harshest weather conditions.

We’re also working on new technology which will air seal the grain inside the shed so no need to worry anymore about fumigation difficulties to protect from weevils – the grain will be protected no matter what!

Harvest season will roll around quickly so make sure you’re prepared with the storage that you need now! For inspiration, you can check out some of our previous grain shed projects or enquire with us now to discuss your grain shed needs.

Common mistakes when building grain sheds include choosing a size based only on the current season, not allowing enough access for trucks or machinery, and overlooking how the shed may be used outside harvest. A good grain shed should be planned around your grain volume, loading equipment, bay sizing, access points and future farm storage needs. Standwell’s grain sheds can be custom-designed around your property and operation, helping make sure the final shed is practical for harvest and useful throughout the year.

Yes, grain dust should be treated as a health risk, especially when exposure is repeated or heavy. Safe Work Australia notes that agricultural workers can be exposed to dust during harvesting and transporting grain, and that exposure to some farm dusts can cause occupational lung diseases. WorkSafe Queensland also identifies grain dust as a respiratory irritant and sensitiser, which can contribute to issues such as occupational asthma, rhinitis and allergic lung conditions. This is one reason dust, ventilation and safe grain handling should be considered when choosing a grain storage setup.

For long-term grain storage, the best approach is to choose a storage option that protects the grain from weather, pests and moisture while still suiting the way your farm operates. Silos can be effective for long-term storage, but they may not suit every grain type, particularly high-moisture grains, and they can come with higher upfront costs and handling requirements. A well-designed grain shed can be a practical option when you need dry, protected storage with easier loading, better access and the flexibility to use the space for machinery, hay or fertiliser outside harvest.

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