Storing grain? Need to increase on-farm grain storage capacity?
Considering retrofitting an existing hay shed or machinery shed for grain storage?
While we specialise in new grain shed builds and these are still the most popular option, retrofitting a shed for grain storage can be done.
In some instances, there can be several benefits of retrofitting a shed.
We discuss these benefits along with what you need to know before embarking on your project.
The Benefits Of Retrofitting Sheds For Grain Storage
Installing concrete panels in a hay shed or machinery shed could be a good choice for you.
For example, making the most of the infrastructure you already have may be a good fit for your cash flow.
Using your existing shed infrastructure, particularly if it is currently under-utilized provides cost-effective grain storage as you do not incur the cost of a new build. This may make more sense financially.
Retrofitting a shed also has the added benefit of making your shed more versatile. The shed can still easily be used for machinery storage – or even fertiliser storage – in the future if required. This works well if grain storage is not a major part of your future plans for your operation.
Alternatively, it could just be a temporary measure to tide you over until you are ready to commit to a new build. In the meantime, you can get a good picture of how sheds fit into your grain storage and handling set-up.
One other potential advantage is that a retrofit project may have shorter lead times than a new build, depending on the workload ahead of the concrete panel plants. This may be a consideration if you are timebound.
Can I Retrofit My Shed For Storing Grain?
Yes, you can!
There are various ways that you can retrofit concrete panels to your shed, depending on the size and type of panel you are hoping to install. The structure of your existing sheds will also need to be considered.
The best way to install panels will also differ between shed types and uses such as grain sheds and multipurpose storage sheds.
Retrofitting Concrete Panels For Grain Storage
Here are some of the key points to know.
Retrofitted panels do cost more compared to the panels in a purpose-built shed. This is because when retrofitting concrete panels to an existing hay or machinery shed, there is often additional steelwork required to accommodate the panel and grain loadings. Whereas in a new grain shed build, the structure of the shed frame is already designed and engineered to accommodate the loadings.
It is important to note that in both these instances, the concrete panels are designed and engineered to be tied in with a concrete slab.
Concrete panels can also be retrofitted to grain sheds for the segregation of different grains. This is also a common option for fertiliser storage. The type of grain you are storing will determine whether this is a good option for you – it’s usually best suited to low-grade wheat.
Retrofitting Concrete Panels For Multipurpose Storage
Installing concrete panels to an existing open-front hay shed or machinery shed has been a popular option in recent years.
Some farmers have opted to install them in just one or two bays to be used for grain or fertiliser storage.
In this case, it is important to ensure there is a clear separation between these bays and any fodder, chemicals or machinery also being stored in the shed to prevent contamination and reduce the risk of fire.
It also pays to check that your insurance will cover co-storing.
The price of panels for multi-purpose sheds does depend on what is being stored as this will influence the size of the panels and the engineering required.
Keep reading for an idea on concrete panel prices.
How Much Does It Cost To Retrofit Concrete Panels?
The cost to retrofit concrete panels does depend on the size of your shed.
As an example though, the cost to convert a 48m x 24m open front hay shed to a grain storage shed with 3-metre-high concrete walls, a concrete floor and the additional steel work required is approx. $275,000 including GST and installation.
The concrete panels in a purpose-built shed usually cost less per square metre than retrofitting panels in a shed. This is because the structure of the shed frame is already designed and engineered to accommodate the panel and grain loadings.
Project Ideas Gallery
Relevant Resources
- How Much Does It Cost To Build A Fertiliser Shed?
- Concrete Panels Versus Inside-Out Grain Shed
- Grain Shed Guide (PDF Download)
We hope this article has answered your questions about retrofitting your shed for storing grain! If you have any other queries, please call us on 1800 687 888.
