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Grain bin demand high; prices down from peak

An east central Illinois farmer and grain bin builder says demand for on-farm grain storage remains high despite the sluggish economy.

Sarah Hastings, who co-owns Hastings CCI Equipment, says many farmers are still wanting to expand bin-space for a variety of reasons.

“Especially something that’s going to take four or five years to pay off when you’re looking at red ink.”  She says, “But some people see the value in trying to hold that crop and capture any carry they can in the market.  They’re trying to capture that premium. They’re going to get a better basis. So that has helped farmers in our area see the investment.”

She tells Brownfield that her operation sources steel domestically, so tariffs haven’t had much impact on costs.

“I quoted a larger, over 50,000-bushel bin about a week ago, and I saw a price starting with $2 a bushel, which I have not seen in four years.”  She says, “With that said, I just got a note that in about two or three days, we’re getting a 5% steel increase, so nothing stays that good that long.”

Hastings says despite that increase prices remain below peak levels seen a few years ago.

Brownfield spoke with Hastings at the 2026 Illinois Agricultural Summit in Champaign.

AUDIO: Sarah Hastings – Hastings CCI Equipment