According to McArthur BDC, demand for Sukup drying silos is increasing in the UK due to their capability to dry, cool and store grain in a single system.
An additional benefit is that the silos can be filled directly from the combine, with no re-handling needed.
“We are seeing continued strong interest from farmers looking to invest in new grain drying and storage capacity. The opportunity to eliminate the time-consuming job of moving and drying grain during the harvest period is a massive attraction,” explained John McArthur, managing director, McArthur BDC.
On-farm experience
Jonathan Jacques, of DR Jacques Ltd, North Lincolnshire explained that he needed to increase the drying and storage capacity for wheat crops ahead of harvest 2024.
“I was aware of McArthur BDC and its ability to successfully deliver grain storage solutions. I had seen a small-scale working demo of a Sukup drying silo at a trade show, and decided to find out more so that I could weigh up my options and the investment required around installing a drying silo, or building a new grain store,” he said.
After working with McArther BDC, he decided on a 700t Sukup drying silo. Grain is tipped from the trailer into the auger, which feeds to the top of the silo. Once it is dried, the grain stays in the silo until it needs to be moved, or when it is sold.
“The Sukup silo has delivered exactly what I wanted. As well as drying and storing my wheat, I have also used it to dry and store some of my maize,” added Jacques.
Leicestershire-based farming company, Buckminster Farms Ltd, was using a continuous flow drier but realised that an increase in flexibility was needed.
“A farming neighbour was already talking to McArthur BDC about installing a Sukup drying silo and he recommended I talk to its team,” said Matthew Wallace.
“The McArthur BDC team explained that a 1,231t Sukup aeration silo would meet our requirements. This was a more cost-effective solution than erecting a new building and allowed us to fully utilise the capacity of our existing continuous flow drier.
“The aeration silo does not include the stirring element which dries the grain, but should we need additional drying capability, the silo can be retrofitted with the stirring capability.”
Once dried, the grain is fed into a Sukup 4210 aeration silo by a Skandia Elevator, with a throughput of 120t/hr. Grain is stored on the silo’s fully ventilated floor for rapid cooling and unloading is done via sweep, horizontal and vertical augers.
Boo Parkes, who farms at Weelsby Estates, Grimsby, also decided on Sukup drying silos after looking at the costs. He opted for two silos ahead of harvest 2022.
“The Sukup drying silos are a great fit for me and delivered the extra 1,000t of storage and drying capacity I needed and, they easily meet the additional demands of a larger combine. In a word they are brilliant!” he said.
For more information go to www.mcarthurbdc.co.uk