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Supply chain disruptions delaying modernization of grain elevators

Supply chain disruptions are making it difficult for grain elevators to expand and improve their equipment.

Scott Dockerty, General Manager of Western Grain Marketing based in Rushville, Illinois tells Brownfield projects are getting pushed back because suppliers do not have building materials.

“Anytime we invest capital into a company we are trying to get that in place for the next crop cycle. But right now that is going to be two or three years out depending on the size of the project.”

He says it is frustrating because they like to make improvements at the same pace farmers are.

“They’ve had two good years back-to-back and they have invested in their operations which means larger combines, larger auger wagons and more semis. We have to be able to accept that and handle that type of volume come harvest time.” 

He says once they can lock in projects, they’re focused on adding larger grain pits for farmers to dump multiple hoppers at once as well as more grain handling automation.

“We will be putting more automation in our grain systems too where we will have grain temperatures through the dryers and automated aeration also.

Western Grain Marketing has 23 locations in western Illinois.