IMPROVING the storage capacity available on farms has now been recognised as a priority investment for agriculture across the UK and Ireland.
Recent months have confirmed just how fluctuating global markets can significantly impact raw materials. Individual farmers have no control over the international markets for the like of fertilisers and animal feeds. Having sufficient storage capacity on-farm would allow producers to secure supply of inputs by purchasing them at a time when they can best afford them.
Buying these all-important inputs on a just in time basis – for example, the acquiring of fertiliser in the spring months – leaves farmers as hostages to fortune when it comes to the actual price paid for these products.
Keri McGivern, Agricultural Sales Co-ordinator at Moore Concrete, confirms that increasing numbers of farmers are now seeking to improve the storage capacity within their businesses.
Keri added: “More and more farmers are looking for flexible solutions to improve their storage capacity rather than simply constructing a new building or modifying an existing structure.
“We are finding this drive for flexibility is now critical in decision making. Farmers need to account for changes in material requirements to be stored at different times of the year.
“What’s more, varying quantities of raw materials can require differing areas of floor space to be catered for at any one time.”
According to Keri, the use of bunker walls and freestanding ‘L’ walls deliver the flexible storage options that farmers need.
She continued: “Both structures can be used in both indoor and outdoor storage scenarios. For example, sub-dividing silos is now recognised as one way of maximising forage quality at feed out.
“Both bunker walls and freestanding ‘L’ walls come into their own in this regard. They can also be freely moved around and resited.
“As a consequence, a building can be quickly converted from a facility that is used to house fertiliser into one that can be used to store grain, other animal feeds and aggregates.”
Moore Concrete manufactures a wide range of freestanding walls – examples are displayed on the company’s stand at this year’s Balmoral Show.
Improving the slurry storage capacity within their businesses is also regarded as a growing priority by many farmers.
Keri added: “The requirement to improve the amount of available slurry storage capacity is driven by necessity, both environmentally and commercially, with slurry recognised as an increasingly valuable fertiliser source. Vitally important, especially in the current climate, when it can deliver the optimal level of response, from a crop growth perspective.”
One of the most flexible ways of expanding a farm’s slurry capacity is to put in place an Above Ground Store. Moore Concrete has specialised in manufacturing and constructing facilities of this type for many years.
“A store constructed from 6m high panels is an effective way to create a small footprint, for example a 31.26m floor diameter can store just over one million gallons of slurry. Keri explained: “The team at Moore Concrete are on hand to discuss the options available, including covers in line with latest requirements.”
The show also provides the Moore Concrete team with an opportunity to discuss the benefits of the company’s many products that are on display throughout the event.
Recent investment in new manufacturing technology has allowed Moore Concrete to expand the range of 178mm (7”) gangs up to 15’ in length.
Keri said: “Longer slats will better accommodate the demand for larger modern livestock housing, particularly on dairy and beef farms throughout the UK and Ireland.
“Our investment was driven in response to farmers, who highlighted the need to increase available space, particularly at the feed fence, to improve animal welfare and food intake.”
Moore Concrete is displaying the company’s new Young Stock gang slat range at Balmoral Show. Featuring a 30mm gap width, the product has been developed in response to customer demand. The slat depth of 178mm (7”) is manufactured up to 4,572mm (15’) long.
“The new specification complements our existing slat range and comes in a SureFoot option on request,” confirmed Keri.
Moore Concrete has been to the fore, over many years, in delivering innovative quality precast solutions that meet the exact needs of progressive livestock and arable farmers throughout the UK and Ireland.
A case in point is the development of the company’s Ox Fence timberless fencing solution.
Keri said: “Concrete fencing is proving more and more popular on farms as it offers a durable, maintenance-free fencing solution.”
The Ox Post is a recent product innovation from Moore Concrete, inspired by the success of the Ox Strain Post. Each Ox Post is 1,830mm (6’) in length and 75mm (3’) by 100mm (4’) wide, weighing 31kg.
Similar to Ox Strains, the Ox Post incorporates a recycled plastic fixing strip to allow fencing wire to be stapled directly to the post.
Furthermore, both are designed to be easily installed using most standard post drivers.
Moore Concrete is located on Stand B38, adjacent to the cattle show rings at Balmoral Show. Visitors will be made more than welcome.
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