FS Construction Services Additional Grain Storage

Project Profile: Additional Grain Storage for Returning Customer

As a consumer, one of the more stressful tasks can be finding the right place to do the job you need. Whether it’s an auto shop, an electrician, or just a new restaurant that you hope is good, we all want to make sure we can get the product we want, at a price that works, from a place we trust, including additional grain storage.

 

6,950 Bushels of Additional Grain Storage Before Harvest

 

And at FS Construction Services, we understand that value. And while we are grateful for all of our clients, there is a special feeling that comes when a first-time client becomes a return client. This was the case late last year when a customer who had been brand new in the year 2021 came back again with some additional storage needs.

Nathan Koester and his team were able to provide this new structure just in time for harvest to really pick up. They installed a 21’ Sukup hopper bin to function as a wet tank right next to a continuous flow dryer. This 5-ring tall bin has a capacity of 6,950 bushels. Additionally, our team added a fan for aeration during the drying season and to help with storage when moving into the winter season. We also installed a dual-use twin hopper gate, one going to the dryer and one for load out when the dryer isn’t needed. All in all, we had our return client up and running and ready to take on the thick of the season.

If you are in need of grain drying, grain storage, or grain handling equipment, whether you are a returning customer or have never contacted us before, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

Grain system FS Construction Services

Project Profile: Fully-Loaded 42’ Grain System

Despite the number of days on the calendar, February can often feel like the longest month of the year. Especially here in the Midwest, we know that spring may be a few weeks away, or it might not come till mid-April. So at FS Construction Services we like to think about the warmer months and a new grain system, even when the days are still short and the possibility of another snowstorm still hangs in the air.

 

New Grain System Before Harvest

 

This got us thinking about some of our projects from last summer. We have often completed grain system projects just as harvest is ramping up and there is absolutely no time to waste. This instance, however, was a little earlier, giving our client a little more time with their new equipment before they would really need to rely on it.

The first item Nathan Koester and his team installed was a 42’ diameter, 7-ring Sukup grain storage bin with a bushel capacity of 33,000. In addition, we installed an axial fan for better aeration and a roof vent to allow airflow without having to leave a manhole open. We also added an 8” power sweep with a horizontal power head that can provide approximately 2500 bushel per hour load out. Finally we built stairs around the outside of the bin for safe and easy roof access.

Scheduling these kinds of updates as early as possible allows our clients to have time, training, and experience with their new equipment, setting them up for greater success later in the year. If you are in need of some new or updated grain storage, grain drying, or grain transfer equipment, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

Wet holding tank grain systems FS Construction Services

Project Profile: New Wet Holding Tank

Here at FS Construction Services, we understand that at one time or another we have probably all had the experience of being midway through a project and suddenly realizing that we don’t actually have everything we need to finish. Needless to say it isn’t a great feeling. In the world of agriculture, even with the best of planning, there are times when you find yourself in a situation where you need something you didn’t have before. This was the case for a recent client of ours, who was right in the middle of the summer, staring down the harvest, and in need of a new wet holding tank.
 

Wet Holding Tank Just In Time for Harvest

 
Nathan Koester and his team were on it, and were able to quickly consult and construct a 25,000 bushel, 30’ wide wet holding tank for our client. This Sukup hopper bin has been designed to efficiently feed its attached grain dryer. In addition, we added a 12” 100’ double run. This compact, quiet, and smooth conveyer is known for being gentle on grain and requiring little maintenance. With these new pieces installed, our client was ready for the immediate harvest and the harvests to come.

When problems arise, there is no better time than right now to fix them. Of course, while that’s not possible in every situation, sometimes with a quick team and lots of experience, you can get pretty close.

If you are looking to get a jump on the upcoming season, or if you have been thinking about updating your grain drying, grain handling, or grain storage equipment, or if you have any other grain solution questions, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services safe harvest

Five Simple Tips for a Safe Harvest

Large grain bins capable of storing thousands of bushels of crop and grain dryers that are able to quickly dry such huge amounts are a necessary part of agriculture. Unsurprisingly, proper safety and care taken in and around these structures and equipment is a must for any successful harvest season.

How to Have a Safe Harvest

It’s hard to believe, but we are quickly moving through harvest season. For many of our clients and many in our community this means weeks of high stress, little sleep, and hard work. At FS Construction Services we know a thing or two about working under these conditions. In the interest of keeping you safe and productive during this busy season, here are some harvest-time suggestions and safety tips for your grain bins, dryers, and other equipment.

  1. Never enter a grain bin without de-energizing (turning off) and disconnecting, locking out and tagging, or blocking off all mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment that presents a danger, particularly grain-moving equipment (OSHA). Grain is not a stable surface, and when it’s moving, pockets can develop that will cause grain to act like quicksand.
  2. Do not enter a grain bin without alerting others. Make sure the person inside the bin always has someone keeping tabs on them, as well as a safety harness or boatswains chair should they need assistance.
  3. Be sure to regularly clean surfaces, filters, and other areas where excessive dust may accumulate. Grain dust is very flammable and the more dust you have, the higher the chances for an unwanted fire.
  4. Be careful not to overfill bin with grain. Not only does this prevent ventilation, but it can put unnecessary stress on your structure.
  5. Plan regular inspections. Make sure chains and bearings are properly lubricated, ladders are secure, safety shields are present, etc.

Finally, be sure to get as much rest as you can during this busy season. When you’re out in the field, be sure to pack protein and calorie-rich food to keep your energy up and combat the tiredness such a hectic time of year often brings.

We wish you a safe and successful harvest! As always, if you have any equipment questions throughout harvest let Gateway FS Construction Services know. With more than 40 years of grain system expertise, from grain drying to grain storage to grain handling and transfer, we are always happy to help. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you today. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services tips for harvest grain systems

5 Tips to Prepare for Harvest

We here at FS Construction Services hope you had a great summer, whether you stayed close to home or decided to travel. Since we are once again at the beginning of harvest, we thought we would take some time to discuss five helpful tips to best prepare for the upcoming harvest.

 

Time Again to Get Ready for Harvest

 

Clean Up

We know that large-scale cleaning jobs are no one’s favorite task, but sometimes they really do have to be done. Sweeping out and vacuuming any remaining grain from your bins so they are ready for new grain is a necessary step. We also recommend spraying your side walls with an insecticide to kill any remaining bugs or eggs that the sweeping didn’t clear out.

Check for Cracks

You will want to make sure there aren’t air gaps in your walls. Incoming cold or moist air can cause damage to your stored grain. Seal any cracks with caulk and check under the ceiling lip and for small cracks in the foundation. Any foundation crack over half an inch long may point to a larger structural problem, so you will want to inspect your foundation carefully.

Electrical System

Make sure all your switches, fans, spreaders, and other electronics are functioning as they should before it’s too late. If mice get into your bin, they can chew through wires, and that’s not something you want to find out late in the game. Additionally, birds are known for building nests in spreaders, so be on the lookout for birds’ nests.

Cooling Plan

Temperature control is one of the most important parts of the storing process. Having a plan to consistently, systematically even and cool your grain is crucial. Also keep a close watch on grain that was harvested early. Grain that stays longer in the field may have fewer bugs since they will have died if there was a freeze.

Be Ready

This may seem obvious, but keep a constant eye out for maturing fields. The timeline will change depending on weather and crop stress, so simply basing it off of the previous year won’t do.

 

We wish you a safe and productive harvest this year. If you have any grain system needs, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services tips for choosing custom grain storage system

5 Tips for Choosing a Grain Storage System

At FS Construction Services we know that when it comes to upgrading your grain storage, there are a lot of questions to answer. And of course, when it comes to any significant cost, you want to make sure you’re getting something that meets your present needs while still giving you options for the future. Thanks to our wonderful partners, such as Sukup, we are able to provide a wide variety of customization options for grain storage, so we wanted to focus on some tips that you may find helpful if you’re nearing an upgrade.
 

Keys to Choosing Custom Grain Storage Systems

 
Size

This one is obvious, yet it bears much of the consideration. Whether you’re building in an unused plot or next to existing structures, there are some fundamental questions to answer. You’ll want to think about how much physical space you have to work with and if you need to connect to a pre-existing structure. You’ll also want to decide if you need a contingency plan for an unexpectedly big yield.

Accessibility

Where are you planning on building your new storage? Is it easily accessible for both you and the utilities it will need? If you’re working with an empty space, you’ll want to think through grading, distance from power lines, etc. If you’re not building on your own land, then you will need to consider transportation along public roads.

Storage

This is also part of size considerations, but it will be important to know if you’re going to store grain for a short term or a long term. Unfortunately, since you don’t control your yield or the price you get for it, you’ll want to consider the option of holding onto your grain until a more advantageous time comes.

Durability

These grain systems are exposed. Wind, rain, hail, and even more come crashing down on these structures each year, so you’ll want to make sure that yours is up to the task. Keeping a tight, sealed system has long-reaching effects.

Recommendations

These considerations are broad and don’t even scratch the surface of the complexities involved in making this decision. So utilize the expertise of our grain systems team. See what has been successful for others to make an informed decision.

If you are ready to move forward with a new system or if you have some questions you need answered first, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services grain storage systems solutions

Project Profile: 20,700 Bushels of Grain Storage

Here at FS Construction Services we know that every job is a little bit different, even if on the surface the product or the outcome are similar to jobs that have come before. It’s important to us to approach each new grain storage project with fresh eyes and a careful consideration for what will work best in this particular instance and not just what generally works best in instances like it.
 

Choose the Right Grain Storage Solution for You

 
When it comes to building grain storage, while the final structure may look exactly like other grain structures, each new build is its own unique experience. The slope of the ground, access to roads and power, surrounding structures and more, are all things that have to be taken into consideration for every project. If you have further questions on what things are worth considering when planning for grain storage, be sure to read this grain storage site planning article.

It was with all these things in mind that Nathan Koester and his team approached this latest grain storage project. They built a 36’ in diameter, 6-ring tall Sukup grain storage bin with a capacity of 20,700 bushels. Additionally, they installed a 10hp centrifugal fan to create ideal airflow as well as a 10” vertical unload. Finally, they added stairs around the outside of the bin for easy and safe roof access.

At a glance, this project looks like many others, and yet it was all completed to meet the specific needs of our client in conjunction with the reality of the site’s resources. If you are in need of upgrading your grain capacity, or if you are looking to add, update, or expand on your grain drying or grain handling capabilities, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services new grain bin

Decisions, Decisions: Selecting a New Grain Bin

At FS Construction Services we know that there is a whole lot that goes into the process of constructing a new grain bin. It would certainly be simpler if all you had to do was choose between the big one and the smaller one. And while the number of available options may feel overwhelming at first, they can pay out dividends in the future if done right. So we’re going to talk a bit about some of the things you will want to consider before moving forward with a new bin purchase.

 

Three Things to Consider for New Grain Bin Purchase

 

Site Selection

Where you place your bin may be a quick or long decision based on a number of variables, but it’s certainly not a decision you want to make without considering the future. Choosing a site that can fit a single bin may seem like a great choice now, but if you experience significant growth years down the road and suddenly need additional storage, you’re now looking at a second site, with its own power supply and access.

Bin Capacity

Similar to site selection, choosing the right size bin needs some future consideration. It may be that 50,000 bushels is enough right now, but in five years maybe you need 70,000. If possible, you will want to leave yourself some room to grow and avoid the future headache and cost of having to play catchup.

Build and Features

Will you be storing your grain for a short time, for a long time? How much airflow do you need? How accessible do you need your roof access to be? These questions could go on and on, but the point is, when it comes to building a grain bin you have a whole lot of factors to consider.

 

Like any investment, the cost that is heavy at first may save you thousands down the road. Finding the right site, size, and everything else is a careful dance, but if done right, you can set yourself up for the present and the future. If you have any questions on getting started, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services doubles grain bin storage

Project Profile: Doubling Grain Bin Storage is an Easy Fit

Over the years here at FS Construction Services we have pretty much worked with every variety of client in every variety of situation. We have worked with blank slates and empty slabs and we have worked with old equipment to make it new again. Each job is different and each job site has its own set of obstacles. And while we love a good challenge, we also enjoy the occasional job that comes along that is simply as straightforward as it sounds. Last year we had the opportunity to work with a client on a wonderfully simple, though no less meaningful project, grain bin storage.
 

Installing Grain Bin Doubles Storage

 
The world of agriculture is large and hard to plan to for. Sometimes you think you’ll be able to push something off to the next season and then all of a sudden you need it right away. Sometimes the growth you were expecting doesn’t happen and you have to push your plans back. Sometimes we have to jump through significant hoops and other times, things nicely fall into place. In this case, we were able to come alongside our client’s existing storage bin and install a brand-new 36’ diameter, 7-ring tall Sukup bin with a bushel capacity of 23,950. We installed stairs between the two bins, providing safe access to both in addition to two fans to provide enough air flow for successful drying as well.

Doubling someone’s storage capabilities isn’t always such an easy task, however, our job is to figure out how to make your needs work. If you are in need of grain storage updates, or you are looking for new grain drying or grain handling equipment, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

On-site grain storage FS Construction Services

Three Reasons On-Site Grain Storage Might Be for You

At FS Construction Services, we understand that even with all the planning in the world and despite everyone’s best intentions, so often there are things that are simply outside of our control. Having worked with so many people in the agricultural industry over the years, we have seen this play out time and time again. And while we know there is never any solution that is without a caveat or a concern, we always like to encourage options that bring just a little bit more control into our clients’ hands. So we wanted to take a little time to talk about the benefits of on-site grain storage.

On-Site Grain Storage Provides More Control

Financial

Obviously, whichever way you decide, there are costs involved. Installing grain storage and drying equipment can be expensive. Initially, it will be more expensive than transporting your grain to a mill or elevator. But as with most things, given a little time, the long-term outcome can beat out the short-term gain.

Storing your grain on site gives you flexibility and options regarding when you want to sell it and how you want to sell it. Waiting to sell your grain until after the harvest rush can save you money on freight costs and increase the profit you make from the sale itself. Additionally, it gives you the option to market the grain where and how you want. Changes in the market, unpredictable weather, unforeseen demand can all throw off the price of grain. Holding on to it yourself gives you the option to sell when the time is right.

Animal Feed

Perhaps not the most obvious benefit, but on-site grain can be used as animal feed when needed. Rather than buying bulk feed with a short shelf life, on-site grain can be made fresh each week, providing for your livestock and eliminating waste.

Efficiency

Waiting in line at the elevator or mill can eat into your day. On-site storage gives you the ability to work the hours you want or need to and immediately begin the drying process to avoid spoilage or rot. Ideally, the increased flexibility will give you the option to work around bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances since you won’t be at the mercy of someone else’s hours.

 

While we know it might not be for everyone, we think the increased control and flexibility of on-site grain storage are certainly worth consideration. If you are in need of a new grain system or additional grain storage, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.