Grain growers are being urged to check their silos in the lead-up to harvest time following several high-risk incidents leading to collapses on southern Australian farms. 

Grains Research and Development Corporation specialist Chris Warrick said, while well-maintained silos could last more than 30 years, growers needed to continually check and assess storage equipment to make sure it was still fit for purpose and structurally sound.

“The potential risks to family members or farm staff if a silo fails are very serious, there are also implications for grain or other losses, so this is an issue that growers need to pay attention to,” Mr Warrick said.

“If a silo is not structurally sound, we strongly encourage growers to seek an alternative storage option, make repairs or decommission the silo to prevent further damage, injury or catastrophic failure of the silo.”

Storing pulses and fertilisers can be higher risk than cereals due to factors including a higher bulk density.

They often required stronger wall sheets, supports and bases than for cereals. 

Cracked concrete bases, unlevel bases, damaged silo legs and corroded rivets or bolts were known contributors to silos failing, he said.