Lodge Farm Grain Store
“This project enabled Pilkington Farm Partnership to store their entire harvest and then to market the crops as and when they wanted to. It also allowed them to clean grain which means that this allows for the best return per hectare.”
Russell Bone, A T Bone & Sons Ltd Director
PROJECT BACKGROUND
A T Bone & Sons Ltd were asked by Pilkington Farm Partnership to tender to contract farm their land. A T Bone won the tender and agreed to farm the land if they could bring the grain stores into the 21st century.
The newly upgraded storage facilities have created have replaced the existing barns which has now enabled Pilkington Farm Partnership to repurpose these spaces for non-agricultural uses. This opens up new revenue streams, such as renting the barns for storage or other commercial purposes, maximising the value of their assets and diversifying income.
This project was split into two sections. Section one was the grain storage facilities, the yard, the dryer and weigh bridge. Having larger grain storage is crucial for enhancing a farm’s operational flexibility, profitability, and risk management. With larger storage capacity, farmers can store more grain after harvest, giving them the ability to sell when the market prices are favourable rather than being forced to sell immediately. This can significantly increase revenue by allowing farmers to time the market effectively. Bigger storage also reduces the reliance on external storage facilities, lowering costs associated with transportation and off-site storage fees. Additionally, it offers a safeguard against supply chain disruptions, ensuring that farmers have enough reserves to weather delays or shortages. In times of fluctuating demand or adverse weather conditions, larger storage also provides security, maintaining grain quality and availability throughout the year.
Section two was the colour sorter and additional barns. Colour sorting is an increasingly vital aspect of modern agricultural production, as it plays a key role in improving the quality and consistency of harvested crops. By using advanced technology to automatically detect and remove low-quality, damaged, or visibly flawed produce, colour sorting ensures that only the best crops make it to the market. This process not only enhances the overall appearance of the harvest but also boosts its safety and shelf life by removing potentially defective or spoiled items. For producers, it reduces waste and maximises profit by elevating the market value of their products. For consumers, it guarantees a higher-quality product, enhancing satisfaction and confidence in food safety standards. As agricultural demands grow, colour sorting continues to be essential in meeting both consumer expectations and regulatory standards.
KEY WORKS
- Installation and commission of a weighbridge.
- An intake pit of 200 ton.
- 120 ton per hour grain handling equipment.
- 65 ton per hour continual flow Perry grain dryer with aspiration on intake elevators.
- Seven shoot Starke colour sorter.
- Rotary Screen.
HOW A T BONE CAN HELP
From start to finish, A T Bone managed the supply, installation, and commissioning of all plant equipment. Our team worked closely with the client to design and construct custom grain storage facilities that optimise space and maintain the highest standards of quality and safety. By handling every step from equipment procurement and installation to final commissioning A T Bone provided the client with a fully operational system tailored to their specific requirements, ultimately improving their storage capacity, operational efficiency, and long term production goals.
A T Bone have a wealth of knowledge in designing and building top-tier grain storage solutions and a range of custom agricultural structures. With years of experience in the industry, we offer innovative, durable, and efficient designs tailored to your specific needs. Whether it’s grain barns, or other fabrications, we ensure that each project is built to last, meeting the highest safety and and performance standards. Trust us to provide the expertise and craftsmanship that will keep your farm operations running smoothly and efficiently.