History Lesson 🔵Harvestore Silos

Harvestore Silos

The Harvestore silo is a type of agricultural storage structure that was first invented and patented by A.O. Smith Corporation in the 1940s. The silos are made of glass-fused-to-steel, a material that is both strong and durable, and are designed to store and preserve feed for livestock.

One of the key features of the Harvestore silo is its unique unloading system, which uses air pressure to push feed out of the bottom of the silo. This allows farmers to easily and efficiently distribute feed to their animals without the need for manual labor or heavy machinery.

In addition to its practical benefits, the Harvestore silo also became a popular symbol of progress and modernization in rural America during the mid-20th century. Many farmers saw the silo as a way to improve their operations and increase their efficiency, and as a result, thousands of Harvestore silos were built across the country during the 1950s and 1960s.

Despite their popularity, however, Harvestore silos faced some challenges in the years that followed. In the 1970s, the company that manufactured the silos, A.O. Smith, was acquired by another company, and many farmers began to experience problems with the silos' glass-fused-to-steel construction. Additionally, changes in farming practices and the increased use of other types of storage structures also contributed to a decline in the use of Harvestore silos.

Adding insult to injury, farmers in the 70's and 80's experienced tremendous financial pressure from low commodity prices and rising interest rates. Many of the Harvestores were financed via variable rate loans. These payments increased with the interest rates putting tremendous tension on capital purchases like the Harvestore, thus declining sales occurred.

Although most are not currently in use, there are a few alternative uses for Harvestore silos that have been proposed or implemented over the years, including:

1. Residential or commercial storage: Some people have converted Harvestore silos into storage spaces for personal or commercial use. For example, they have been converted into homes, offices, or even a gym.

2. Industrial storage: Harvestore silos have been used to store a variety of industrial materials, such as coal, sand, and grain.

3. Water storage: Harvestore silos have been used as a water storage solution, either for irrigation or as a backup water supply.

4. Waste management: Harvestore silos have been used as an alternative method of waste management. They can be used to store various types of waste, such as bio-waste or hazardous materials.

5. Energy production: Harvestore silos have been used as a location for alternative energy production, such as installing wind turbines on top of them.

6. Livestock handling: Panels from Harvestore silos have been used as part of tub & alley handling systems for cattle and other large livestock.

7. Recreational use: Harvestore silos have been used for recreational purposes, such as a playground or a climbing wall.

The Gravel Road's takeaway: Someone once told me, "Want to make a million dollars? Figure out a great use for Harvestore silos." These unique silos dot the Midwestern landscape, and most are empty. If you can find an efficient way to repurpose them, you will have a booming business on your hands.

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