Grain Storage for Harvest FS Construction Services

Project Profile: Fully Equipped Grain Storage

While much of the world hit pause on a lot of things last year, there were some things that had to keep going no matter what. Crops still needed to be planted, tended to, and harvested. Which meant that there were farmers who still needed help when they found themselves with broken equipment or not enough space to hold their grain. And of course, that meant FS Construction Services was still hard at work upgrading equipment and building new structures.

Grain Storage for Harvest in a Pinch or a Long Term Plan

This was the case last September, when a client was staring down the coming harvest in need of some extra storage space. Nathan Koester and his team got to work quickly and constructed a 33’ 6-ring Sukup grain bin. This storage bin had a capacity of 15,000 bushels and also featured a 2-down auger, Fastir Stirring Machine, an axial fan and heater, a spreader, and a power sweep. Basically everything needed to prevent rotting, ensure evenly dried grain, and provide just a little bit of certainty in an uncertain time.

The project was finished shortly after we started it and in time for our client to make full use of it during the harvest season. And while life will no doubt continue to be unpredictable, we are always thankful that we have the opportunity to provide little bits of security and reinforcements when they’re needed.

No matter the circumstances, our clients don’t ever stop, which means neither do we. Whether you find yourself in a pinch or you are deep into some long-term planning, if you need grain storage, grain handling, or grain drying 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.

Grain storage large bushels

Project Profile: From 0 to 40,000 Bushel Capacity in a Week

At FS Construction Services we know that among the many things a bountiful harvest can bring is the need for more storage space. This was the case recently, with harvest right around the corner, when we were contracted to build a new storage bin. Luckily our team was up to the task, and in exactly one week’s time, our client was up and running with a brand-new grain storage solution.

Nathan Koester, one of our Grain Systems expert, oversaw the construction of the Sukup grain bin. At 42’ in diameter and 9 rings tall, this new structure would provide instant help for the harvest to come with a capacity of 40,000 bushels. Additionally, the grain bin was outfitted with a roof auger, stairs, and an 8” power sweep.

With our team in and out in a week, our client was able to continue preparing for the season to come with the assurance of having all the storage that would be needed. Thanks to our long-lasting partnership with Sukup and our familiarity with their products and equipment, we are able to work quickly and efficiently. This not only guarantees properly set up grain bins and systems, but it also means our clients can get back to their work sooner.

If you are looking to get a jump on the season to come or are in the market for grain drying, grain storage, or grain handling and transfer, let Gateway FS Construction Services know. We work with a number of trusted partners and employ the best in the business. 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.

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.

 

 

Annual Auger SALE

Each year during the off-season, FS Construction Services likes to offer our customers, new and old, an opportunity to purchase our in-stock augers at a discounted rate. Through the month of March, we are offering 10 percent off.

FS Construction Services has provided portable augers to customers for more than 50 years. Brands we work with, such as Hutchinson, provide are available in a variety of configurations that adapt to your needs. They will ensure you have the mechanical swing hopper auger, top-drive auger – you name it – to get the job done. The value, reliability and durability of our brands will have you confident in the investment you’ve made in the future of your business.

Interested in our sale and checking out the inventory? Contact us at 866-551-3454 or visit us at our Red Bud location at 3631 Old State Route 3.

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