A high-quality drying shed is a critical part of any agricultural operation, especially for grain farmers who need to preserve their crops. If your drying equipment is outdated, underpowered, or unreliable, investing in a new facility can dramatically increase the efficiency of your harvest and reduce waste, which translates to higher profits. Below are a few elements to consider if you’re planning on replacing yours.

3 Tips for Designing a Drying Shed

1. Calculate Equipment Capacity

Wet or dry bins that are too small are a common problem, causing bottlenecks in production that can delay the entire harvest. To calculate the capacity of your new drying equipment, start by estimating the total bushels you expect for the season. Divide that by the number of days you expect the harvest to take, and choose a dryer with the capacity to handle that amount at once.

2. Select the Right Type of Dryer

Agricultural equipment manufacturers offer a variety of drying technologies, each of which might be right for your farm. For instance, if your drying shed doesn't need to accommodate more than 100,000 bushels, an in-bin system might be best. If your farm produces much more, it’s likely you should invest in roof dryers or towers to keep the harvest on track.

3. Plan for the Future

A well-designed drying shed will usually last 20 to 30 years, so planning for the future will help you avoid expensive upgrades and retrofitting later. If you expect your farm to grow, consider investing in equipment with the capacity to dry and store more grain than you need right now. The upfront cost may be higher, but building for growth can save a great deal of money in the long run.

If you’re installing a new drying shed or looking for an upgrade, turn to the experts at Merritt Mechanical-Fabrication. For over 50 years, they’ve helped farmers throughout the southeastern United States increase the efficiency of their operations with high-quality equipment tailored to unique needs. Visit their website for an overview of their services or call (229) 377-5586 to discuss your project and request an estimate.