Smart storage by Action Steel

On-farm fertiliser sheds are essential infrastructure for modern cropping enterprises.

The on-farm storage trend gained momentum during the COVID pandemic when volatile prices and unreliable deliveries exposed the business risk of just-in-time supply.

More recently, poor quality fertiliser and silo failures have reinforced that fertiliser sheds are the recommended option for safe storage.

Safety aside, building a dedicated fertiliser shed is proving to be a smart move for cropping enterprises, saving time, saving money and offering far greater flexibility than silos.

A prime example is the recently completed segregated fertiliser shed at Myall Park designed, manufactured and installed by the team at Action Steel.

With a well-planned layout, additional height and a full length concrete apron, the fertiliser shed delivers safe storage and efficient access.

Jason Stone, a building consultant at Action Steel attributes the project success to several key details, including the fully enclosed configuration with side bay access; “Side bay access works well for sheds with multiple segregated areas as it is practical, space-efficient and allows the bays to be easily and independently unloaded, reducing the risk of products mixing.”

With two 800-tonne storage areas and one 400 tonne storage area, the shed provides one central point for fertiliser storage, helping to streamline deliveries and making it easier to manage supply.

A clear and level site, located away from other storage infrastructure and with room for turning circles provides safe and efficient access. “These details are important considerations for high-traffic sheds at busy times of the year like cropping”, Jason said.

For the shed itself, clearance height is arguably the most important detail to get right, “The best height for a fertiliser shed is largely determined by how the shed is loaded and unloaded,” Jason shared.

This was the case for the segregated Action fertiliser shed at Myall Park, with a 9.5m eave height allowing a truck to tip inside the bays.

The concrete apron, the full length of the shed, is also an excellent addition, providing easy machinery access when loading and unloading, even in wet weather.

Action Steel’s attention detail is best summarised when Jason comments that “Footy coaches love one-percenters, and we do too”, sharing that every Action fertiliser shed features angled flashing from the concrete panels to the walls to provide an effective barrier if the shed is overfilled.

If you’re planning a fertiliser shed project or looking to improve your on-farm infrastructure, visit the Action Steel team at AgQuip on Site G/05. This is a great opportunity to speak with the experts behind some of the best farm shed designs in Australian agriculture and see how they can help you build smarter, safer storage for your operation.