What Storage Options Exist for Farm Operators?

You need an incredible amount of materials in order to keep your farm up and running, which means you also need to decide how you’re going to store your products so they’ll stay fresh. Old, stale or contaminated products can’t be sold to the public, and this shrinkage is bad for your bottom line. Protect your inventory and ensure that your farm continues to operate at maximum efficiency by choosing the right storage options.

young farmer

Running a farm is no easy task, but the right products help you stay on track. Consider how you’ll store your materials as well as how you’ll transport them safely. From seed bins to stackable pallets, make sure you have everything you need for your farm to thrive. Continue reading for a close-up look at some of the handiest products for your industry.

Seed Bins—Crops start with seeds, and it takes a lot of them to get a farm started. You should have a fresh batch of seeds ready and waiting to be planted. Seed bins have solid walls that keep the seeds from spilling out, so you won’t lose any of your inventory. The right bins will also do a good job of keeping pests out of your seeds, so you won’t have to worry about contamination. The best seed bins will set your crops up for a successful harvest, even in their earliest stages.

Non-Collapsible Bulk Containers—Chances are you won’t be moving your crops off your farm immediately, so you need a place to store what you grow in addition to the seeds they grow from. Find bulk containers that don’t collapse so they won’t crush your apples, limes or anything else you grow on your farm. Like seed bins, these containers should also have solid walls, so nothing can slip out. This way, your wares will all stay together, making it easy to find what you’re looking for, so you can send the proper containers to your distributors.

Pallets—In addition to the actual containers that hold your seeds and crops, you must consider how you’ll transport everything. This is where plastic or metal pallets come in. A full container of apples may be difficult or even impossible to transport by hand, but a pallet jack simplifies the process. Use the jack to pick up the pallet and simply wheel it or drive it where it needs to go. Pallets also keep containers off the ground, which further protects your inventory from issues like water damage and contamination.

boxes of apples

Importance of Proper Storage—You might have the biggest farm and the most delicious oranges in the world, but that doesn’t mean much if you can’t take care of your inventory before consumers have a chance to taste it. Storing your products properly is integral to keeping everything as fresh as possible. Poor storage materials and improper techniques can ruin large amounts of your produce, and this kind of setback will keep you from operating at 100%. If you want to enjoy maximum efficiency for your farm, you need to know how to store your products.

Making a Decision—Sometimes you may come to a crossroad when deciding what kind of storage materials you need for your farming supplies. Different types of containers and bins are meant for different purposes, and it helps to know what will work best for your needs. Think about what you’re planning on storing. Seeds, small fruits and anything that can easily spill out of a bin go best in containers with solid walls. This may not be so important for larger crops that tend to stay put. When you ask the professionals for help, you can easily find the best storage or transportation options for your goods.

Freshly harvested pears in wooden crates

No matter what your farm’s specialty might be, choosing the right storage options is crucial. You need containers for your seeds and your crops, and it helps to have pallets to prop them up off the ground and make transportation easier. Proper storage helps you avoid contamination and damage, so choose the best storage options and reap the benefits.