There are plenty of benefits of using concrete walls and bunkers.
Ag-Crete Industries manufactures great value concrete products, precast to last.
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Among the wide range of products offered by the 100 per cent Australian-owned and operated Kerang-based business are troughs and bunkers for the agriculture sector.
Bunkers
On-farm bunkers can save hours of truck turnaround time and are an economical option for increasing storage.
They also allow growers to take control of the sale of their grain.
Benefits of bunkers compared to other storage options are:
Ag-Crete walls are low cost and can be installed quickly and easily, then re-sold when no longer required. A complete set-up is available from $18/tonne capacity.
Compared to bags, concrete walls hold more, are less susceptible to damage and are reusable. Most growers have augers capable of filling a bunker — so no extra equipment needed.
Compared to dirt walls, concrete is more pest-proof, sealable and the wind can’t lift ground liners and tarps as easily.
When selecting a site, it is ideal to have all-weather semi-trailer access and the site sloping away from the prevailing wind. This will help with managing tarps and keep it weather-proof.
Make sure machinery and the site is clean before filling (to minimise pests) and no grain is left lying around afterwards, outside the bunker.
Troughs
Drinking water quality is a high priority for livestock producers. Research shows that when high-quality water is provided, livestock will drink more, eat more, stay healthier and gain weight more quickly.
Key benefits of concrete troughs:
Strength and stability: Ag-Crete troughs are stock-proof and ideal in flood-prone or windy areas.
Water tastes better: Due to concrete’s high mass, it insulates well, reducing water temperature fluctuation and slowing algae growth.
Improved animal health: Clean water helps prevent sickness. Stock prefer to drink from troughs as water is more palatable and easier to access than dams.
A breeze to clean: Surfaces are flat and Ag-Crete’s big outlets allow fast drain of water.
Trough types and tips:
Large round troughs are high volume and help provide adequate storage for peak demand periods, especially if you have low flow rates or cattle are drinking from them.
Rectangle troughs are easiest to clean and ideal if water supply is adequate.
Troughs should be placed on a level base, raised slightly above the surrounding area. Protect from erosion with road base or gravel to a depth of 150mm. Plastic grating can also be used as a surface stabiliser, perforated conveyor belt or old tyres.
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