Harvestore Silos: A Nebraska Farming Staple

History of Harvestore Silos in Nebraska

Harvestore silos, officially known as Harvestore Structures, have long been a popular option for farmers and ranchers in Nebraska seeking quality silage storage. These large blue glass-fused silos provided innovative oxygen-limiting technology to better preserve and ferment forage for livestock.

The Harvestore brand dates back to the 1950s when a company called A.O. Smith introduced the first glass-lined silo. This glass coating prevented oxygen from penetrating the silo walls, allowing for improved ensiling with less spoilage. In 1974, A.O. Smith created a separate division focused entirely on these oxygen-limiting silos called the Harvestore Products Group.

Rise of Harvestore in Nebraska

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Harvestore silos saw immense popularity across Nebraska. The state's robust cattle industry drove demand for Harvestores as ranchers sought premium feed storage solutions. By the late 1970s, over 50 authorized Harvestore dealers operated in Nebraska as farmers continually upgraded to these high-capacity oxygen-limiting silos.

Several key factors drove Harvestore sales success in Nebraska during this period:

• Innovative, oxygen-limiting technology for better ensiling
• High-quality, glass-fused construction for longevity
• Large capacities up to 6,000 tons to support bigger harvests
• Automated feeding mechanisms for labor efficiency

For many farms in Nebraska, the Harvestore became an indispensable tool for storing and efficiently feeding high-quality silage, haylage, and other forages.

Decline and Issues

After peak sales in the late 1970s, Harvestore silos started facing growing issues with structural failures, leakage, and lawsuits alleging fraudulent marketing. As problems mounted by the 1990s, many Nebraska farmers became disenchanted with the excessive repairs and high maintenance costs.

Several notable challenges plagued Harvestore silos in Nebraska:

• Glass lining failed, compromising oxygen barrier
• Unloader mechanisms broke down frequently
• Design flaws caused foundation cracking issues
• Rust and corrosion became widespread

These problems spawned dozens of lawsuits in Nebraska against A.O. Smith and Harvestore. Despite million dollar settlements, the Harvestore brand could not fully recover from the damage done during this period. New competitors also began adopting oxygen-limiting technology and cut into the market.

Modern Use and Support of Harvestores

Although Harvestore Production Systems filed for bankruptcy in 2002, many Nebraska farmers continue relying on these silos today. Simple glass bonding solutions and third-party unloaders help farmers repair and upgrade existing Harvestores to extend their working life.

A few notable ways Nebraska farmers modernize and maintain aging Harvestore silos:

• Replacing failed glass lining using special epoxy products
• Upgrading to heavy-duty aftermarket unloading systems
• Repairing cracks and corrosion damage on walls
• Installing new foundations and anchors

Implementing repairs and preventative maintenance enables farmers to realize much more utility from these silos. Some Harvestore units in Nebraska have even operated reliably for over 50 years.

Additionally, passionate Harvestore owners formed the Silo Traveler's Association to exchange guidance on maintenance techniques. These enthusiasts help farmers troubleshoot problems and optimize their Harvestore investment. Online forums also enable crowdsourced solutions tailored for Nebraska's conditions.

Future Outlook

While Harvestore silos no longer dominate the market, they continue serving an important role for Nebraska's farming operations due to their unmatched durability and storage capacity. Proper maintenance and upgrades offer farmers many more years of reliable service.

Moving forward, glass bonding solutions and heavy-duty aftermarket components will become increasingly important for keeping aging Harvestores operational. Passionate owner networks and online resources also provide farmers the collective guidance needed to maximize longevity of these silos.

And if properly maintained, Harvestore silos are capable of reliably storing feed in Nebraska for generations to come.

FAQs

What were some key benefits of Harvestore silos in Nebraska?

Harvestore silos provided Nebraska cattle farms with oxygen-limiting glass-fused construction that enabled superior ensiling capabilities. Large storage capacities up to 6,000 tons also supported bigger harvests. Automated feeding mechanisms improved labor efficiency as well.

Why did Harvestore silos decline in Nebraska?

Critical issues emerged regarding glass lining failures, unloader breakdowns, structural cracking, and widespread corrosion damage. Costly repairs and lawsuits over fraudulent claims also marred the Harvestore reputation in Nebraska.

How do farmers continue using old Harvestore silos?

Many Nebraska farms repair and upgrade existing Harvestores to extend their working life. Solutions include epoxy glass lining repairs, heavy-duty aftermarket unloaders, foundation and anchor upgrades, corrosion treatment, and preventative maintenance.

What is the future outlook for Harvestores in Nebraska?

With proper modernization efforts, Harvestore silos can reliably serve Nebraska cattle farms for decades to come. Continued glass bonding repairs, upgraded components, and guidance from Harvestore-focused owner networks will enable extended longevity.