A BIG Bin With BIG Problems

This is one of the storage bins on Bremer Farms. It hold 10,000 bushels of corn, is 30 feet wide and 30 feet tall, and is filled to the top each fall. It has served us well for 39 years.

Have you ever played the game, One of these things is not like the other? If you compare these first two photos, you will see there is a BIG difference. The bin has moved. Yes, for the past year or so, we noticed the concrete that the bin sits on was cracking and deteriorating.

The only way to remedy the issue was to remove the bin and replace the cement pad, but first all the corn had to be removed, and we had to remove a couple pine trees. Then all the apparatus was removed that is used to empty the corn, dry the corn, and keep the corn in top condition. Remember, the corn is used throughout the year to help feed our cows so we need to keep it well preserved.

Then it was time to bring in the big guys. The bin was lifted and set away from the current resting place- all 9,500 pounds of empty bin.

The old concrete was broken up and hauled away...to be recycled!

The ground was leveled...

and new rock was brought in to make a strong base. FYI- that was partly the problem with the old concrete base, as we discovered, the ground was not properly prepared and the concrete was also not reinforced properly. Sheesh! Not this time!

After the concrete forms were installed, more rock was brought in,

leveled and packed down,

and we were ready for the cement truck to arrive. If you notice, you can see the criss-cross pattern of metal rods put in place to reinforce the concrete.

And tah-dah, we have a strong, sturdy, well reinforced base for our bin. After the concrete cured (dried) the crane replaced the bin, the dryer and unloading equipment was put back in place so the electricians could reconnect the electricity.

So our project, that began in June, was completed last week. Thanks to all the crews that made this happen.

Yes, it was a spendy repair, but a necessary one. We really didn't want to head to the barn some morning and see the bin caved in laying on its side. TIMBER!

So the bin is now full to the tippy-top with the start of this years corn harvest. We are now working to fill the bin that you see in the background. Between the bin repair and the weather, we are only about 1/2 done with our corn harvest, which we typically have done by Halloween, but not this year. Some things we just can't control!

Praying for a safe and bountiful harvest for all you farmers out there.