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World’s largest free span grain bin under construction at Iowa ethanol plant
What will be the world’s largest free span grain bin is under construction at an ethanol plant in north-central Iowa.
Sukup Manufacturing CEO Steve Sukup says the 2.2 million-bushel bin will give Golden Grain Energy in Mason City an opportunity to be more efficient.
“They’re marketing also. They want to bring in the grain as soon as possible at the price they like.”
He tells Brownfield with a diameter of 165 feet and a peak height of more than 155 feet, Sukup will be breaking its own record for biggest grain bin.
“We (like to say) you can put a 757 inside the grain bin (and it) will fit, but the landing is a little difficult.”
Golden Grain Energy CEO Chad Kuhlers says he expects the bin to be receiving corn by late May or early June of 2021.
“In addition to this grain bin, we are also putting in an additional corn dumping capability so that we can receive a little bit faster.”
He says their goal is to increase the amount of storage on-site from approximately nine days of production all the way up to 30 days.
Brownfield spoke to Sukup and Kuhlers last week during a USDA visit to Golden Grain where Ag Secretary Perdue announced additional investments in biofuels infrastructure as part of the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program.
Steve Sukup audio:
Chad Kuhlers audio: