Last Monday’s derecho impacted an estimated 14 million acres of farmland in Iowa, but the effects of the powerful windstorm extend beyond crop and property damage. Many steel grain bins were rendered inoperable, leaving many producers with potential post-harvest storage issues. Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach is offering guidance to farmers as they determine if their bins need to be replaced or if they can be repaired. According to Field Agricultural Engineer, Shawn Shouse, the first step is to determine if a bin site is safe.
Recovery can begin once those things have been completed. Shouse says the best place to start is with a structural analysis of damaged bins.
In some cases, bins are irreparable. However, Shouse says replacement is not as simple as just ordering a new bin to place on the existing foundation.
Shouse says repairs or replacements can be costly propositions. However, it creates a chance to farmers to consider updates or reconfigurations to their operations.
ISU Extension and Outreach is offering additional guidance and advice through their website and regional field agricultural engineers. Contact details and more information can be found included below.
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https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/storm-damage-resources
Region 1 Engineer: Kris Kohl (Sac and Calhoun)
712-730-5068
kkohl1@iastate.edu
Region 3 Engineer: Shawn Shouse (Crawford, Carroll, Greene, Audubon, Guthrie)
712-250-0135
sshouse@iastate.edu
