In Australia, wheat serves as a foundational crop in the agricultural sector. Valued at around A$5 billion annually, this crop keeps the economy churning through global demand and exportation. With Asia being our largest market, about 70% to 80% of the local wheat produced is exported to ASEAN regions, including Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
One main driver of such demand is the increase in meat consumption in these regions, driving the need for animal feed. Wheat is a key ingredient in livestock feed, and hence, its demand is closely linked to the growth of meat production. As capita per income continues to rise in these regions, meat consumption follows suit, and so does the need for wheat.
The Rise of Grain Bags
Grain bags are large plastic bags designed to store grains and other commodities. They come in different sizes, ranging from 75 metres by 9 inches to 120 metres by 10 inches, capable of storing up to 300 tonnes of wheat. The grain bags we offer at our store are 240 micron thick, providing extra strength and durability compared to other bags in the market.
These bags serve as an alternative to traditional storage methods (such as silos or eliminates the need for transport to a central storage facility, greatly reducing the risk of damage to the grains during transportation.
Take note, however, that various farms will have short and long-term storage needs. Silos work best for long-term storage; grain baggers are ideal for short-term storage. If properly managed, grain baggers can store grains for up to a year.
The Benefits
Grain baggers are large plastic tubes that can store dry grains for extended periods of time, although silos are typically the main choice for long-term storage. So why should Australian wheat farmers consider using grain baggers as an alternative storage solution?
They're Cost-Effective
For smaller-scale farmers, purchasing a large silo may not be economically feasible since silos typically require a foundation and are often permanent structures. For those with limited land or resources, grain baggers offer a cost-effective alternative. They require minimal setup costs and can be easily moved from one location to another, providing flexibility for farmers.
They're Flexible.
Most farms will have both short and long-term storage needs. Silos work best for long-term storage; grain baggers are ideal for short-term storage. Grain baggers can store grains for up to a year, if properly managed, providing flexibility for farmers to choose the best storage option based on their needs. For instance, those with rented land can use grain baggers to store their grains for a year, instead of investing in permanent silos.
They're Efficient.
Harvest efficiency is crucial for farmers, especially during the busy harvest season when they need to quickly and efficiently store their harvested crops. Grain baggers provide an efficient solution as they can be filled directly from the field, eliminating the need for transport to a central storage facility. This saves time and also reduces the risk of damage to the grains during transportation.
They're Weather-Resistant.
Bags used in grain baggers are designed to protect grains from external elements such as moisture and pests. This is particularly useful for Australian farmers who may experience unpredictable weather conditions, including heavy rains during harvest season. Proper storage of these bags will ensure that grains are protected from weather elements, reducing the risk of spoilage and wastage.
They Come in Various Sizes.
Depending on the needs of the farmer, grain baggers come in various sizes ranging from 75 metres by 9 metres to 120 metres by 10 metres, so farmers can choose the appropriate size based on their storage needs and available land space. The grain bags we offer at our store are 240 micron thick, providing extra strength and durability compared to other bags in the market.
Essential Equipment when Working with Grain Bags
To make use of grain bags, certain equipment like grain baggers and unloaders are necessary. Our store offers one of the best grain baggers on the market, designed specifically for use with our high-quality bags.
The Akron bagger can fill up to 330-feet long bags with minimal labour, and is equipped with advanced technology for accurate grain placement and compaction. It discharges about 8 tonnes per minute, making the filling process a one-man job, thanks to its hydraulic brake system and high capacity reception hopper.
Accompanying the Akron grain bagger is our state-of-the-art grain unloader, which can efficiently unload the stored grains from the bags. The machines we offer at our store can unload 360 tonnes per hr, significantly reducing the time and effort required to move grains from storage bags to trucks or silos. Designed with independent hydraulic control to adjust the speed and direction of the unloading process, it also minimises damage to the grains during unloading.
Finding your Modern Grain Storage Solutions at Burando Hill
At Burando Hill, we provide a one-stop solution for all your on-farm grain storage needs. From high-quality grain bags to state-of-the-art equipment like the Akron bagger and grain unloader, we offer everything you need to efficiently manage your harvest and after-harvest operations.
Reach out to our dedicated team for more information. We'd love to find the perfect solution for your farm!
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