Grain elevators were first created in 1842 by Joseph Dart and Robert Dunbar in Buffalo, NY to help with the problem of unloading and storing grain that was being transported through the Erie Canal. This invention proved to help grain farmers produce and move more grain in less time; therefore, during the building boom of the railroad system, the elevators were adapted and built along the tracks. Today, grain elevator operators across the country brave sub-zero wind chills throughout winter to ensure a steady flow of farmer’s products to the global market.

In 2012, DFS acquired Tetra AgriGroup Inc.’s feed and grain business in Oskaloosa, IA to better position themselves to respond to the growing hog production in the region. A few years later, they realized expansion was necessary for both safety and convenience. The completed project provides a much quicker way to dump grain for regional farmers. Not only does this save them time at harvest, it enables DFS to increase grain origination. In addition, this project replaces the grain dryer, originally installed in 1979, increasing safety and drying capacity for DFS and its employees. Finally, this project sets DFS up for more reliable grain storage and delivery to the feed mill for complete feed by building a new “on-ramp” for grain intake. This allows for future expansion in grain storage, delivery to feed mills and intake ability.

Although situated in small rural areas, the immediate environment surrounding grain elevators relates more to an industrial atmosphere than rural. In the case of the DFS Oskaloosa Grain Elevator, the Union Pacific Railway cuts through the property to deliver the farmer’s products to the greater market. Heavy traffic during harvest season from trucks dropping off corn and soybeans, the continuous transfer of grains from truck to storage to railcar, and constant exposure to the elements all contribute to the corrosivity of the Oskaloosa, IA operation. DFS partnered with Mid-States Material Handling and Mid-States Millwright and Builders to accomplish the goals of this project. Since the grain elevator operation is exposed to a corrosive environment, the new equipment required a corrosion protection system to ensure longevity and reliability. Previous experience led the partners to recommend, and ultimately select, a hot-dip galvanized coating to achieve the desired results.

DFS has been very satisfied with the quality and installation of the galvanized equipment. Although longevity & durability were the top priorities, they were also happy with the final appearance of the galvanized steel. A DFS representative shared, “Galvanizing gives the equipment a uniform, clean and durable look that is professional in appearance at all times.” Furthermore, hot-dip galvanizing eliminates the need for future expense in painting for corrosion protection. The completion of this project enables DFS to continue to grow its business and serve its customers’ needs today and well into the future. Longevity in the galvanized equipment allows DFS to continue operations for decades with the ease of mind that the equipment will offer years of returns on investment. The increased grain origination will help DFS to take in more corn, thereby increasing the ability for them to produce more animal feed. Eventually, with more feed volume, additional jobs will be created in technical, production and driving positions.