COLLINSON SILOS LIVESTOCK FEATURE
CONSIDERING FEED STORAGE Here, we look at bulk feed storage and talk to Fram Farmers member, Andrew Haag from Suffolk, to find out why he has made a recent investment in bulk feed bins for his pig enterprise. With harvest 2020 almost complete, now is an ideal time to consider your winter feed storage facilities. Animal feed is a huge investment for livestock farmers, and how it is handled and stored can make a significant difference to the profitability to the enterprise.
FROM BAGS TO BULK The minimum delivery for most feed companies is three or four tonnes and if you’re getting through this amount in good time then you should consider moving from bags to bulk. Savings made can quickly repay the investment and there are the obvious benefits that can be gained by going bulk; eliminate manual handling and protect against contamination, be it weather related or wildlife i.e. vermin, birds etc. It doesn’t need to be a larger model silo to make a significant difference either. If it is mainly extra winter storage you need, investing in a smaller silo makes sense.
REVIEW STORAGE You may already purchase bulk feed and, if so, it is important to check your silos once a year for corrosion or accidental damage, as this can affect the structural integrity of the silo. If in doubt, check with your supplier. Also, look at feed usage. As animal numbers have increased, feed storage has not necessarily been expanded in line with demand. Larger deliveries can often be more cost effective so investment in a new silo can soon pay for itself.
WHAT TO CONSIDER Silo sizes range from 4 to 40 tonnes and the silo to suit you is usually determined by the product you’re wanting to store, optimum delivery loads and, importantly, how you are wanting to discharge the feed, whether you are filling bags, a barrow, a snacker or mixer wagon. You may have an automated conveyor taking the feed to a parlour or feeding area. Other factors to consider include smooth walls and a mass flow, which is the most important criteria to ensure first feed in is FARMERSFIRST I S S U E 57 - AU TU M N 2 0 2 0
first out. Level indicators help you to gauge how much feed is in the silo, and a galvanised structure is important for longevity. A useful optional extra is a cyclone dust collector which collects any dust
generated during filling. This is excellent for zero feed wastage and improved biosecurity. To find out more about pricing and the silos available, please contact the livestock team on 01728 727716.
RECENT PURCHASE Andrew Haag, from Swiss Cottage Farm in Otley, Suffolk, runs a mixed farming operation, consisting 200ha of arable land, growing wheat, barley, oilseed rape and winter beans, in addition to a pig finishing business, purchasing weaners at 30-35 kgs and taking them through to bacon weight. Approximately 60% of the cereals grown on the farm are milled and mixed with soya meal, biscuit meal and soya bean oil to produce rations for the pigs. “We have been members of Fram Farmers for over 40 years, and have benefited from the group’s buying power, and the very diverse skills of the people who make up the staff.” A recent purchase of three Collinson’s feed bins, is a case in point. “Having discussed our requirements with Peter Crichton (consultant to the pig industry), we decided on the Collison product on the basis of pricing, construction and delivery, and the professionalism of the representatives. “We then worked with the livestock team at Fram Farmers who acted as the intermediary between Collinsons and myself, and made the process very straightforward. We’re definitely pleased with the whole process and the bins are now fully operational on our unit.” 11
