New grain processing equipment from McArthur BDC for RC Reed Ltd streamlines harvest operations and generates £30,000 saving in drying costs

On realising that his grain processing capability was reaching end of life, Andrew Reed, Director of RC Reed Ltd who farm at Berwick Upon Tweed, contacted McArthur BDC to discuss how best to increase his drying and storage facility including the replacement of his aging drier.

"Having an established relationship with McArthur BDC, I was aware of its grain handling expertise, proven record of successfully delivering new and upgraded grain processing plants and knew it delivered great customer service and support," said Reed.

As well as farming a total of 760ha and growing winter barley, OSR, wheat, spring barley and spring beans, Reed is also a member of England's Curling team and is soon off to play in the World C Qualification in Slovenia.

"Working with an independent shed builder, I decided to build a new grain store located close to my existing store," said Reed. "I then held discussions with McArthur BDC around the handling equipment I needed. I was undecided on whether to buy a mobile batch grain drier or a continuous flow drier, but on McArthur BDC's advice, confirmed after talking to other farmers about their experience of both, I decided on a Akronmaster AB Svegma 38tph continuous flow drier.

"Svegma's established reliability and efficiency means that its driers are held in high esteem, and they have a real following in Northumberland and the Scottish borders."

The Svegma is sited outside, positioned in the middle of the new plant between the new grain store and the existing store.

Reed chose to also install a McArthur BDC Moisture Monitoring System (MMS) which provides automated grain moisture data by sampling incoming wet grain and outgoing dried grain as it enters and leaves the Svegma. The MMS plays an important role in ensuring grain enters storage at the optimum moisture.

"By liaising closely with the McArthur BDC team, I was able to draw on its extensive knowledge and advice around the grain handling equipment to be installed to meet my individual requirements," said Reed.

On the advice of McArthur BDC, Reed has installed Skandia Elevator I-Line handling equipment consisting of: 3 x 60tph elevators and 8 x 60tph conveyors - including 1 x trench intake conveyor. The new plant is also equipped with an Aagaard aspirator cleaner.

Grain is tipped into the intake and taken via an elevator to the Aagaard. Once cleaned, grain enters another elevator which feeds a conveyor taking the grain to the Svegma drier and MMS, on flow and return - if the drier is full, grain is returned to the intake via a conveyor.   

Dried grain is transported to either of the two stores – a valve determines to which of the two stores grain is sent.

The function and integration of the equipment within the plant is controlled by a McArthur BDC PLC touchscreen control panel, allowing remote monitoring from a laptop or any mobile device.

"The construction of the new grain store took longer than anticipated which meant I did not have a drier, so for one harvest I had to sell wet grain which resulted in me having to pay £30,000 in drying costs," said Reed. "A reminder, if any was needed, of the importance of having drying capabilities on farm."

The new plant has successfully delivered the additional storage capacity RC Reed Ltd needed and the drier and handling equipment has helped to streamline harvest operations ensuring maximum efficiency and profitability.

"Anyone looking to build a new grain store or upgrade their existing facilities should talk to other farmers about the equipment they have chosen and why.

"It is also important to find a supplier who will work with you to fully understand what you need, not necessarily what you think you need, so that you end up with a system that meets, and hopefully, exceeds your expectations," added Reed. "You need look no further than McArthur BDC."