plan your system
Make every bushel count with a grain system designed to save time, reduce fuel costs, and maximize your return, season after season.
Build it right the first time
The demands of farming are constant—and the risks are real. That’s why your grain system needs to work as hard as you do. At Central Steel, we provide dependable, top-of-the-line grain storage, drying, and handling systems built to maximize uptime and minimize waste. Supported by a trusted dealer network, we’re with you every step of the way—helping you grow smarter, faster, and stronger.
Important Factors to Consider
Planning your on-farm grain system starts with the basics: location, access, and room to grow. As yields increase and new technologies emerge, a well-designed layout will save you time, money, and headaches down the road.
Choose a location that’s easy to reach with trucks and equipment, especially during peak season. Good access improves traffic flow and prevents costly delays when unloading or moving grain.
easy access
Three phase power gives you the capacity to run larger motors and grow over time. Single phase may be enough to start, but power needs will increase as your system expands.
Single or Three Phase Power
Natural gas is the most economical way to dry grain efficiently. LP works too, but it comes with higher operating costs and a slower return on your investment.
Natural Gas Availability
Design for Versatility
The crops you grow and how you store them matter. A flexible setup helps you manage risk, preserve quality, and keep your operation running smoothly.
If you store three different grains, you need at least three bins. Even for one crop, use multiple bins to reduce risk—if one batch spoils, you don’t lose it all.
Right Number of Bins
Drying to the right moisture is critical. Choose a system that delivers consistent, quality results fast. The dryer is the heart of your system—get the right one from the start.
Proper Drying System
Consider bin sizes carefully. Smaller bins offer flexibility in crop separation and easier monitoring. Mixing large and small bins can balance efficiency and risk.
Bin Size Strategy
Even the best system fails without cleanliness. Proper grain handling, cleaning, and pest prevention extend storage life and protect your investment year-round.
Sanitation Practices
Plan for the future
As yields increase and harvests grow, your grain system should be built to adapt. A solid foundation today makes it easier, and cheaper, to scale tomorrow.
Grain systems should be designed with expansion in mind. As your acreage grows, you’ll need more bins, more drying capacity, and space for additional equipment.
Leave Space to Expand
Pick a dryer that meets your current needs but can be upgraded down the line. A reliable, high-capacity dryer shortens harvest time and protects grain quality.
Dryer Flexibility
As you dry more grain, your wet storage capacity must increase. Underestimating this need can lead to costly backups and slowdowns during peak harvest windows.
Wet Holding Capacity
Create a loop or flow that allows trucks to dump and load at the same time. This reduces wait times, lowers fuel use, and speeds up your entire harvest operation.
Efficient Traffic Pattern
how to plan a system
Storage that pays off
See how much more you can earn with on-farm grain storage. Estimate your return by selecting a crop and entering your acreage and expected yield.
Build your Storage plan
Your grain system is more than equipment—it’s a long-term investment in your farm’s future. Let Central Steel help you build a smart, strong system that’s ready for anything.
