Secure peace of mind with stable grain bins
In August 2020, the Midwest saw a storm like never before. The derecho uprooted lives, devastated crops and exposed weaknesses in many farm structures, namely grain bins. While it was a costly lesson from Mother Nature that could happen just about anywhere in the U.S. where bins are located, it also proved to be an opportunity for farmers across the nation to reassess how they mitigate risk in the future.
“Standard bins are made to withstand winds of 105 mph,” says Jacquie Hodges of the Agri Business Brokerage Corp, a Nationwide On Your Side® Master Farm Certified agency. “However, there are bins available with construction that will hold up against winds as high as 140 mph. That’s well above the highest wind speed recorded in the August derecho.”
With that knowledge, farmers can now arm their farms with bins built to stay put.
“I help farmers look for bins with the right ASCE7 standards. These standards account for the load of the bin, its contents and environmental factors such as high-wind events,” said Hodges. “And while these bins might cost a bit more, the peace of mind and possible revenue saved are certainly worth it. It’s definitely a short-term investment for a long-term gain.”
Nationwide offers a variety of coverage for farm equipment, including grain bins. They also provide a wealth of free resources to help operators minimize risk for employees who work in and around the bins. Everything from a pre-season inspection and maintenance checklist to grain storage construction guidelines and year-round grain management strategies.
Weather can’t be controlled. But there are steps farms can take to ensure equipment and structures stand up to Mother Nature’s inevitable surprises. If you’re interested in building stronger bins, contact a local Nationwide agribusiness agent today. One will be happy to act as your resource and walk you through the multiple benefits of putting these solid structures on your land.
For more information or to find a Nationwide Farm Certified agent near you, visit www.aginsightcenter.com
Sponsored by Nationwide
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