In my fifty years in the grain industry, I have stored substantial amounts of grain and often found myself short on permanent storage solutions. Like many in the industry, I frequently relied on temporary storage options. There were and are various alternative temporary storage design solutions to select from. Among these, grain bags have emerged as an option. They have gained traction among producers and, to a lesser extent, commercial elevators. While grain bags offer distinct benefits, they also present challenges that warrant careful consideration.
My first exposure to grain bags was in Argentina in the late 1990s, where they were sometimes called “sausages.” Shortly thereafter, I observed their use in Uruguay. My initial impression was that I found them unsuitable for commercial applications. In the early 2000s, grain bags began appearing in the fields of U.S. producers, and eventually in some domestic commercial grain elevators.
Though I have no personal experience with grain bags, I have researched their use and gathered insights from various sources. This blog will try to capture the opinions of bag and equipment suppliers, academia, and users of grain bags. As farmers increasingly adopt innovative agricultural practices, grain bags have become a prevalent solution for grain and oilseed storage, and they are clearly the main users.
They provide an alternative to traditional grain silos and bulk storage systems, but like any method, come with advantages and drawbacks.
Grain Bags Overview
Grain bags are made from materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or mylar, and are available in various thicknesses (7.5 to 10 mil) and diameters (8 to 14 feet), with customizable lengths of up to 500 feet. Designed to withstand UV rays and be waterproof and wind-resistant, these bags also employ hermetic storage technology. According to Dirk Maier from Iowa State University in *World Grain*, “when properly sealed, the silo bag is watertight and has a high degree of gas tightness to CO2 and O2.” A 10’ x 250’ bag can hold approximately 11,000 bushels, while a 12’ x 500’ bag can store about 32,000 bushels. Filling equipment is available with capacities up to 26,000 bushels per hour and unloading equipment possesses capacities up to 10,500 bushels per hour.
Advantages of Grain Bags from a Farmer’s Perspective
– Cost-Effectiveness: The initial investment in grain bags is considerably lower than constructing or renting bin space, enabling farmers to allocate resources to other needs, such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment purchases.
– Flexibility: Grain bags can be deployed almost anywhere, allowing farmers to store their products closer to the field. This proximity reduces transportation costs and mitigates immediate market pressure when selling grain. Furthermore, farmers can store various types of grains and oilseeds in separate bags, facilitating easier segregation.
– Preservation of Quality: When filled and sealed correctly, grain bags create an airtight environment that minimizes oxygen exposure. This helps slow spoilage and pest infestation, ensuring that the grain remains in optimal condition during temporary storage.
Drawbacks of Grain Bags from a Farmer’s Perspective
– Limited Longevity: Although grain bags effectively preserve grain, they are not meant for long-term storage. Most bags last less than one year unless they are equipped with advanced monitoring technology. As noted by Dirk Maier in a 2018 *World Grain* article, “corn, soybeans, and other crops should not be stored in bags beyond the cool weather period,” which typically lasts no more than six months for fall-harvested crops in North America. Moisture and increased biological activity during warmer months can compromise stored grain.
– Labor-Intensive Filling and Unloading: Filling and unloading grain bags require considerable labor during initial set up and specialized equipment, such as baggers and lifters. For farmers managing large volumes of grain, this can significantly impact time and manpower.
– Space Requirements: Compared to bunkers or upright storage systems, grain bags require more horizontal space to store the same volume of grain. The chosen site must also have good drainage and all-weather access.
– Potential for Damage: Grain bags can be easily punctured or torn if not handled carefully, leading to potential product loss from moisture intrusion or pest damage. Overfilling can also compromise seals.
– Weather Constraints: Filling and unloading grain bags during rain is not feasible, and adverse weather conditions—such as high winds, snow, ice, and muddy ground—can complicate grain recovery efforts.
Advantages from the Elevator Perspective
– Reduced Pressure on Elevator Capacity: During peak harvest times, elevators often reach maximum capacity, creating logistical challenges. Grain bags can serve as a low-cost temporary storage solution, easing immediate demand on elevator space and helping to avoid bottlenecks.
– Partnership Opportunities: Elevators can benefit from partnering with farmers who use grain bags by offering services such as mobile grain drying or bagging equipment rental, creating new revenue streams within their business model.
Challenges Faced by Elevators
– Handling and Logistics Complexity: Storing grain in bags adds complexity to the logistics of unloading and transporting grain. Elevators may require specialized equipment to effectively handle and process bagged grain, necessitating staff training and additional operational considerations.
– High Moisture Limitations: Grain bags cannot accommodate higher moisture grains. Recommended moisture levels are corn <15%, soybeans <13%, and wheat <12%. Failure to adhere to these levels can lead to rapid spoilage and quality degradation.
– Market Perception and Acceptance: Some commercial buyers may be hesitant to accept bagged grain due to perceived concerns surrounding uniformity and quality. This stigma can impact the overall marketability of stored inventories.
– Warehousing Limitations: Grain stored in bags cannot have warehouse receipts issued.
Best Practices for Utilizing Grain Bags
To maximize the benefits of grain bag storage, users should follow best practices regarding site selection, filling, and unloading processes. The tips below consolidate suggestions from Pro Grain Equipment magazine, Loftness Grain Bagger Tips, and Dirk Maier’s articles on silo bags.
Site Selection and Preparation:
– Choose a level site with all-weather access, close to a roadway, and well-drained. Open areas help reduce pest pressure and ensure uniform sun exposure.
– Clear the site of any debris, such as sticks and stones, which could puncture the bags. If multiple bags are used, arrange them in a line rather than side-by-side to deter rodent harborages.
Filling Process:
– Utilize high-quality grain baggers designed for optimal filling and sealing. Proper sealing is crucial to prevent air infiltration, reducing spoilage risk.
– Follow OEM filling procedures or bag suppliers’ recommendations. Before filling, ensure grains are within the recommended moisture content, ideally below 14%, for longer-term storage.
– Adhere to sealing procedures provided by suppliers.
Monitoring:
– Conduct routine inspections for external damage to the bags, checking seals and looking for signs of rodent or other pest activity.
– Look for pooling water around the bags and consider additional monitoring equipment for temperature or CO2 levels.
Unloading Process:
– Use appropriate unloading equipment to minimize the risk of tearing bags. Train operators on the unloading process to ensure safety and efficiency.
– Unload grain during favorable weather conditions to avoid exposure to rain which can degrade grain quality.
Conclusion
In an ever-evolving agricultural landscape, grain bags present both opportunities and challenges. Farmers and commercial elevators must weigh the pros and cons to adopt a well-thought-out approach to grain bag usage, enhancing storage efficiency, quality preservation, and profitability. By understanding the nuances of this storage
solution and adhering to best practices, producers and grain handlers can optimize their storage choices.
Despite my lack of firsthand experience with grain bags, my research suggests they can be a viable option for on-farm storage. However, I maintain reservations about their application in a commercial elevator setting, where there may be potential drawbacks such, slower reclaim rates, loss of moisture blend opportunities, and being forced into a pickup time that was not market driven. Furthermore, the requirement for additional space and equipment is a concern at the elevator level.
One of my goals for this blog was for it to be interactive where experiences and ideas could be shared. I encourage those of you who have utilized grain bags in the past or are suppliers of bags and equipment to share your experiences. Your insights will be invaluable for both producers and grain handlers considering this storage method.
Regards,
Grain Guy Fifty