On the farm, few structures are as indispensable as the grain bin. From harvest through market, grain bins quietly protect and preserve your investment. But they also present hidden hazards: engulfment, falls, toxic atmospheres and mechanical entanglement. At Valley View Agri‑Systems, we believe the ultimate goal is zero entry into the bin—and zero injuries. Here’s how advanced grain systems, proper grain conditioning and smart processes can help you achieve it.
Why Zero Entry Is the Only Acceptable Goal
Every year in the U.S., dozens of workers suffer serious injury—or worse—inside grain bins. Even experienced operators can be caught off-guard by shifting grain, bridging, or oxygen‑deficient atmospheres. That’s why OSHA and industry leaders now emphasize “zero entry”: never send anyone inside the bin unless absolutely unavoidable, and then only under the strictest controls.
Key dangers:
- Engulfment when grain collapses around a worker
- Falls from the roof or ladder
- Asphyxiation due to low oxygen or toxic fumigants
- Mechanical hazards from fans, augers, and conveyors
By designing workflows and investing in technology to eliminate the need for human entry, you protect lives—and avoid the costly downtime and liability of a bin‑entry incident.
Advanced Grain Systems: Building Safety In
Valley View Agri‑Systems partners with top manufacturers of advanced grain systems that minimize manual intervention:
- Automated sweep augers that remove residual grain from the floor without climbing in
- Remote‐controlled temperature and moisture monitoring systems like AGI SureTrack so you catch spoilage risk early—no ladder‑climbing required.
- Aeration fans with zone control to prevent hot spots, reduce spoilage, and eliminate the need for in‑bin inspections
These “hands‑off” solutions are more than conveniences—they’re life‑savers. Investing in automation not only protects your crew but also optimizes grain conditioning and maintains crop quality.
Grain Conditioning: Monitor, Don’t Enter
Proper grain conditioning is vital to prevent spoilage, pests, and bridging. But traditional on‑site checks often meant climbing into the bin to probe temperature and moisture. Instead:
- Install multi‑point sensors for continuous monitoring of temperature and moisture gradients.
- Use data dashboards (on‑site or cloud‑based) to alert you to hot spots or moisture buildups—before they become emergencies.
- Schedule aeration cycles automatically based on sensor data, not on a calendar or guesswork.
By keeping close watch through technology, you won’t need to open the roof hatch or enter the bin—helping you reach that zero‑entry objective.
Procedures & PPE: Last‑Resort Controls
Even with advanced grain systems, you must plan for rare occasions when bin entry is unavoidable (e.g. mechanical jam clearance). Follow a strict permit‑required confined‑space program:
- Lock out/tag out all drive units and conveyors.
- Test the atmosphere for oxygen, combustible gases, and fumigants.
- Ventilate continuously until safe levels are confirmed.
- Use a safety harness and retrieval system with an external attendant.
These steps aren’t optional—they’re the final safety net when zero‑entry can’t be achieved.
Finding the Right Partner: AGI Grain Bins & GSI Grain Bin Dealers
When it comes to upgrading your facility, Valley View Agri‑Systems is proud to be among the Midwest’s leading GSI grain bin dealers. We also supply and service AGI grain bins built to the highest standards of strength and durability. Our team can help you spec the right capacity, aeration package, and sensor suite for your operation.
Why choose us?
- Authorized dealer for GSI and other advanced grain systems brands
- In‑house expertise on grain conditioning best practices
- Responsive service network for installation, maintenance, and emergency support
Take Action: Zero Entry Starts Today
- Audit your current bins: Where are you still climbing in?
- Invest in automation: Sweep augers, sensors, remote monitoring.
- Train your team on zero‑entry protocols and confined‑space permits.
- Partner with Valley View Agri‑Systems—your local GSI grain bin dealer—for turnkey solutions.
With advanced grain systems, superior grain conditioning, and a culture committed to zero entry, you’ll protect both your harvest and your most important asset: your people. Contact Valley View Agri‑Systems today to schedule a safety audit or to learn more about our full line of AGI grain bins and services.