FS Construction Services grain dryer

Project Profile: Grain Drying Solution

At FS Construction Services we talk a lot about the importance of grain storage systems. Having enough space, having a well-protected grain bin, having good airflow, etc. are all integral to effectively storing your grain long term or short term. Less often, do we talk about grain handling or grain drying, so today we want to take a little time to focus on the importance of these other types of grain systems, and we thought there is no better way than highlighting a project we have recently completed.

New Sukup Axial Fan Dryer for Efficient Grain Drying

Our client had an established four-bin setup, but was in need of a new, efficient dryer. To make this possible, we installed a T16 Sukup Axial Fan Dryer. This 14’ 7” H x 25’ L x 7’ 11” W dryer has the ability to hold up to 440 bushels and has a grain column holding capacity of 380 bushels. The T16 grain dryer has a top-line drying capacity of 725 bushels per hour. Additionally, we installed a double run conveyor to adequately fill the new dryer as well as a second bin to act as a wet bin.

When all was said and done, our client is now able to quickly and effectively dry, move, and store their grain for however long they need to. With properly dried grain they won’t need to worry about mildew, rot, or spoilage, and rest comfortably knowing it will be there for them when they need it.

If you are in the market for a new grain system, whether that’s grain storage, 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.

High Quality Grain Storage System - FS Construction Services

Project Profile: Delivering a High Quality Solution for Grain Storage

At FS Construction Services, we get the chance to work on all kinds of projects. We believe that no job is unimportant, no matter the size. But we’ve got to say, sometimes it’s just really fun to be able to go all in and provide a client with the whole works. This was the case earlier this year when we got to build an entire grain system, complete with drying, handling, and storage equipment.

Complete Grain Drying, Handling and Storage Equipment Solution

Nathan Koester and his team of Grain Systems professionals had the opportunity to make one farmer very happy when they built a 30’ diameter Sukup 6-ring grain bin, a 16’ long grain dryer, and 6” and 8” double runs. The grain bin, which has an eave height of 22’ and a capacity of 14,700 bushels, also features stairs wrapping around the bin and a catwalk for convenient and safe passage to the drying system. Speaking of which, the T16 continuous-flow dryer can dry an impressive number of bushels per hour, and comes equipped with the QuadraTouch Pro control system, which is easy to use and negates the need for constant monitoring. Finally, we installed an 8” double run which can fill the dryer at 4,000bph and a 6” double run which can unload the dryer at 2,000bph.

While a project like this has a lot of big, moving pieces, proper planning and working closely with the customer made it a success. Our ability to provide the necessary concrete and electrical work expedited the process, and our client was able to begin drying wheat immediately after we finished construction.

Whether you’re in need of an entirely new grain or seed system, schedule routine maintenance or you find yourself just needing some upgrades here and there, please feel free to let Gateway FS Construction Services know. You can 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 maintenance services

Preventative Maintenance #1: Grain Systems

Grain storage, handling, and aeration are on the list of things that are easier said than done. While on the surface, having a big container to store grain sounds simple, the sheer number of small details that go into doing it well is impressive. Ruined seed or even grain bin accidents are often the result of one of these small details not being attended to along the way. At FS Construction Services, we understand how stressful it can be to try and keep every little part of your grain system in check, which is why we are releasing a series of preventative maintenance articles covering both seed and grain systems.

Grain System Maintenance Services

Like we said in our seed systems article, a little maintenance can go a long way when it comes to keeping your systems effective and operational, and our goal is to give you the information you need to keep your equipment in the best shape. What follows is a description of the service you receive when an FS professional comes out to take your system through the preventative maintenance process for all our grain systems partners, including Sukup, GSI and Hutchinson.

The major component of our grain system maintenance comes through the means of a visual inspection. Our FS professional will examine the entire grain bin site and look for things like: rodent damage, a clear burner gun or exit area, rust or corrosion, loose bolts, old grain that needs to be cleaned out, and more. Additionally, we will run circuit tests, test all fans and heaters, and check augers for wear or clogging.

“Our goal is to help each and every one of our clients have as worry-free of a growing season and harvest as possible,” says Jarret Herzog, Service Manager. “Often we find that the number one issue is a broken fan or heater, which can severely impact the quality of the crop, so we make it a priority to get to these customers as soon as possible after the problem is discovered.”

As the summer months move quickly on, please feel free to reach out to Gateway FS Construction Services if you are interested in our preventative maintenance services. Or you can always 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.

Monitoring Moisture to Maximize Your Soybean Yield

We know corn harvest has been a mixed bag – and definitely down – this year. As corn harvest progresses, the weather cools and we (hope to) get a bit more rain, now is the time to focus on maximizing your upcoming soybean crop and care for it once it’s in the bin.

Studies at the University of Illinois have shown that the average combine leaves 10 percent of the soybean crop in the field. However, by harvesting at a higher moisture content, these losses can be reduced to 4-5 percent. In addition, market weight (and thus value) decrease about 1.15 percent per point of moisture below 13 percent. Again, there’s a case for maximizing value through moisture.

With the advantages documented at those moisture levels, it’s time to have your grain drying plan ready and in place. Because beans have such high oil content, you’ll want to be especially careful in monitoring your bins every day or two. Even though beans typically only require aeration to get them in proper condition, you’ll still want to monitor airflow and the need for heat.

To review your options and set your plan of attack, we recommend taking a look at the FS Grain Drying Guide on our site. You’ll find 60 pages of information on different drying systems and the specifics for drying corn, soybeans, wheat and milo. The facts in the guide can lead to a true increase in your harvest revenue – something vitally important in challenging growing years such as 2012.

 

Opportunity Arises for Purchasing Grain Systems

With an already wild first half of the year, FS Construction Services strongly suggests that now may be the perfect time to purchase grain drying, storage or handling equipment for your farm. Farmers and landowners have plummeting steel prices to thank for the opportunity.

According to statistics provided by Growmark, since January 2012 multiple costs are down, creating a more plausible reason to make the investment.

  • Scrap is down 19%
  • Cold-rolled coils down 16%
  • Hot-dipped galvanized down 15%
  • Rebar down 13%

Reduced grain production and this dip in steel prices is affecting manufacturers and has created a need to move equipment, such as grain bins, out in order to make room for the new. FS Construction Services offers grain systems products from brands such as GSI, Lowry, Sukup, Grain Handler, Brock and more.

If you’re considering looking ahead and making the investment, we suggest talking with us at FS Construction Services to look at your options. Give us a call today at 866-551-3454, and we’ll help you make the most profitable decision for your situation.

 

 

Secure Your Grain Storage, Handling and Drying Upgrades Now

With the recent conclusion of harvest and the cold weather now closing in, Gateway FS suggests now as the time to prepare for next season. As you plan your seed orders in the coming months, have you considered the addition of that 20,000-bushel (or larger) grain bin you’ve had an eye on? Or maybe you’ve looked into a new option for your grain drying or handling. Gateway FS encourages you to take the steps towards acquiring those upgrades now.

Many of our suppliers offer premium discount pricing as the year comes to a close and while farmers are considering equipment updates needed for maximized production next season. The sooner you research and secure your purchase, the deeper the discounts you’ll receive. If you’re unsure about which grain system upgrade will be most beneficial, contact our Grain Systems department for help with your decision.

Some of our suppliers offering off-season discounts include:

GSI
Shivvers
Hutchinson
Sukup
Brock
Lowry

For more information regarding the discounts you can receive on your equipment upgrades, contact us today.

Grain Systems – Glen Muench – 866.551.3454 – Email

Grain Systems (Southern) – Nathan Koester – 618.528.2395 – Email