Section 2: Grain Handling

Issues with Grain Handling and Storage Systems

The proper setup, operation and maintenance of grain handling and storage systems can be challenging. In today’s farm economy, farmers/ranchers cannot afford to lose any grain crops due to handling, bin overfill, spoilage or contamination. From the combine to the storage bin, the agricultural equipment and grain handling and storage manufacturers working with farmers/ranchers have fine-tuned the harvest process. At this time, everything on the farm/ranch seems to be getting bigger, more automated and less dependent on physical labor. For farmers/ranchers with a mobility impairment, back injury, amputation or respiratory condition, however, the proper operation and maintenance of grain handling systems and bin storage may be especially difficult.

A Better Way

Even with all the advances in harvesting equipment and grain handling and storage systems automation, many times the simple tasks that still require the individual attention of the farmer/rancher go overlooked. For farmers/ranchers with a disability, the simple tasks, like climbing the bin ladder or stairs to open the cap when filling or aerating the bin, may be difficult or impossible. Everyday handling of the dusty grain crops while loading or unloading them could be aggravating to farmers/ranchers with respiratory problems. Also, the operation and maintenance of grain bin storage may require working around powered augers, elevators or conveyors, which are naturally dangerous. Working with such equipment may be even more dangerous for farmers/ranchers who have disabilities.

The next section on Assistive Technology outlines some of the better ways to handle these simple tasks that benefit everyone working with grain handling and storage systems, not just farmers/ranchers with a disability. Each section has a short discussion followed by examples of products/companies in that particular area.

BACK: Feature Story—An Illinois Grain Farmer's Story Rancher

NEXT: Assistive Technology Notes

In This Issue
Section 1: Feature Story—An Illinois Grain Farmer's Story Section 2: Focus on Grain Handling Section 3: Assistive Technology Notes	Section 4: State Project Feature—Illinois Section 5: Contact