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Q&A with Tony Holder: Insights on On-Farm Fertilizer Storage | Accu-Steel Fabric Covered Buildings

Written by Paige Klein | Apr 18, 2025, 5:00:00 AM

Q: You spent years managing agronomy departments—what did you learn about the importance of fertilizer storage?

A: One of the most important takeaways is that proper fertilizer storage is crucial to protecting your investment and maximizing operational efficiency. Fertilizer is inherently corrosive, so using durable, corrosion-resistant materials—like hot-dipped galvanized steel and stainless-steel components—is key to long-term success and safety.

Q: What are the biggest advantages of storing fertilizer on-farm instead of relying on off-site options?

A: There are a few major benefits:

  1. Cost Savings: On-farm storage allows you to buy fertilizer when prices are lower and avoid rising costs and uncertainties tied to off-site storage or last-minute purchases. Over time, this can lead to significant financial savings.
  2. Flexibility & Convenience: With fertilizer on-site, you’re not reliant on external suppliers. You can apply products when it makes the most sense for your operation—on your own schedule. That kind of control is a game-changer.

Q: What should farmers consider when thinking about building a fertilizer storage facility?

A: Here are the top questions to ask yourself:

  • Is this a good investment for my operation? Consider whether the long-term cost savings, flexibility, and reduced market risk outweigh the initial building costs.
  • Am I choosing a high-quality, durable structure? Don’t cut corners. A well-built, customizable solution will last longer and serve your needs better than a generic budget option.

Does the design meet my unique needs? Think about airflow, lighting, budget, and whether the building could serve multiple purposes throughout the year.

Q: Are there scenarios where on-farm fertilizer storage doesn’t make sense?

A: Yes—if your farm is smaller or doesn’t require a high volume of fertilizer, the return on investment might not justify the initial build cost. In that case, relying on off-site storage could be more practical. It all comes down to your operation’s specific needs and scale.

Q: What advice would you give to a farmer who’s just starting to plan a fertilizer storage building?

A: Don’t settle. Make sure the building is tailored to your needs—after all, it’s your operation and your investment. We’re here to help you design a solution that aligns with your long-term goals.

Q: What’s a common misconception about fertilizer storage buildings?

A: Cost is a big one. Many farmers assume a high-quality building is financially out of reach. But when you look at the return on investment—through flexibility, convenience, and long-term savings—it often makes solid financial sense. Plus, we offer solutions for a wide range of budgets.

Q: What makes Accu-Steel stand out in the fertilizer storage industry?

A: A few things set us apart:

  1. Top-Tier Quality: We never compromise on materials—our 12-oz polyethylene fabric and high-grade steel are built to last. Everything is crafted and quality-controlled at our Audubon, Iowa facility.
  2. 100% American-Made: Our structures meet all U.S. manufacturing standards and qualify for all federal programs.
  3. Fully Customizable: No two operations are alike. We’ll work with you to design a building that suits your specific goals and layout.
  4. Comprehensive Service: We offer maintenance and repair services for any fabric structure, not just our own—everything from entire recovers, tightening bolts, to patching panels.
  5. Versatility: Accu-Steel buildings can easily adapt to store other commodities like grain, feed ingredients, livestock, or equipment during the off-season.

Built Around Quality. Designed for You.

At Accu-Steel, we pride ourselves on building long-term relationships by providing personalized, high-quality solutions. If you’re considering on-farm fertilizer storage, reach out to Tony and the Accu-Steel team early in your planning process—we’ll help you find the right fit and guide you every step of the way.
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