As machinery grows, so do storage sheds

May 26, 2016

Farmers may need more space to accommodate storage facilities

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

Nobody would leave their 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 uncovered and exposed to the elements, so why would farmers to the same with any of their machinery?

As equipment has grown in size and sophistication, so have the storage facilities farmers’ use to house tractors and combines.

“Within the last five years, you’ve really seen a trend of these things going to 70, 80 or 90 feet (wide), clear span, with no support,” Justin Sobaski, vice president of Eastern Iowa Building told Missouri Farmer Today.

“Lately we’ve noticed customers requesting wider and higher buildings to fit all sizes of machinery, large doors that are easy to operate, plus a building that also looks nice and adds to the aesthetic value of their property,” said Menards Spokesperson Jeff Abbott.

Storage shed

Another trend being noticed is including a heated workshop; Josh Nowlin, a general sales manager for Quality Structures, said it’s cost effective to put everything under one roof.

The larger the building, the stronger it needs to be to withstand snow and other elements.

Upgraded paint, spray insulation, house wrap and post protectors are all available options to keep buildings safe and durable.

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.