Storage Solutions for the Modern Farmer

Finding the right storage solution is vital for New Zealand farmers. Interbloc provides a range of customizable storage solutions that are made for the rural industry. With interlocking concrete blocks forming the modular system, durability and design flexibility are given. Combining this with weather protection, a buyback guarantee, and sustainability accreditation, Interbloc works for the 21st century farmer.

Challenges with Rural Storage

WORSENING WEATHER

New Zealand’s farmers are facing significant weather challenges - from too much rain to drought and from hail to excessive heat (Deloitte). In the first half of 2023 alone, farmers have been impacted by weather events like Cyclone Gabrielle (which caused about half a billion dollars worth of production mainly in agriculture and horticulture). Our rural industry is heavily reliant on the environment, and events like droughts, floods and storms are adding to the list that farmers need to grapple with. With severe weather events increasing, challenges are exacerbated leading to reduced yields, crop failures, and increased costs to farmers (passing on to the New Zealand consumer).

INFLEXIBLE DESIGNS

With traditional farming solutions like sheds and silos, inflexible designs can result in inefficient use of space and wasted resources. Storage solutions that are inflexible make increasing or decreasing grain or feed capacity difficult. Down the line, this can cause revenue loss and reduced productivity.

LABOUR SHORTAGES

Like many instances in New Zealand, the agricultural sector is facing a labour shortage (one of the largest in history). In dairy farms alone, there is an estimated shortage of between 4000 and 6000.

"Late last year DairyNZ did a survey and it had 22 percent of dairy farmers who employ staff saying that they were short-staffed, and on average it was by 1.2 people."
-Dairy NZ Spokesperson Jane Muir

The future of rural storage is modular

In modular construction, building components are made off-site. These components are then transported to site, where installation of the complete structure takes place (Science Direct). Modular construction boasts a list of benefits, all being valuable to the rural industry. From faster installation and higher productivity to less waste and lower costs, modular construction is the way forward. Interbloc is one of these modular systems, giving you these benefits.

Interbloc can be used for a variety of rural applications, most commonly those is the industry build:

• PKE/Feed bins
• Fertiliser Bins
• Silage Bunkers
• Retaining Walls

PKE/Feed Bins

The ability to change the capacity of PKE/Feed bins is important. Interbloc’s modular design allows you to easily change up the capacity of the bin - a 400 tonne bin can be increased to 450 tonne by simply adding an extra layer of blocks.

All in all, Interbloc PKE bins help modern NZ farmers provide a secure and convenient way to manage palm kernel extract (PKE). Getting this storage right improves the feed quality, increases feed efficiency, and saves time on feeding operations.

For best results from an Interbloc PKE/Feed Bins, follow these tips:

• For easier installation, maintenance, and operations, we’d recommend placing your PKE/Feed bin on a concrete pad. Typically around 160-300mm thick depending on the height of the wall and ground conditions
• For a seamless joint between the base of the wall and concrete pad, use Interbloc Flat Bottom Blocks. They come in 1200, and 1800mm lengths
• For waterproofing, use a sealant between the interlocking joints of the Interbloc wall layers
• For weather protection, add a roof to your bin. Typically for these applications, we’d recommend a retractable roof for great useability

Fertiliser Bins

Incorrect storage of fertiliser results in unnecessary wastage, in some cases up to 25% – this is an expensive problem. Getting fertiliser storage right ensures the product retains quality, maximizing their effectiveness in promoting crop growth and yield. Ultimately, this contributes to the growth and sustainability of the New Zealand rural industry.

Interbloc's fertilizer bins address several challenges that modern farmers face. Firstly, with worsening weather patterns, secure storage of fertilizers becomes critical to prevent loss due to flooding or waterlogging. Secondly, with labour shortages, Interbloc's bins offer a modular and easy-to-assemble design, reducing the need for extensive manual labor during installation and maintenance.

Lastly, traditional storage designs can be inflexible and unsuitable for different types of fertilizers. Interbloc's bins, on the other hand, can be customized to meet specific storage requirements, making them a versatile and practical option for modern farmers.

For best results, follow the PKE/Feed Bins tips and:

• Having adequate heat control is vital for fertsilier. Consider adding quality ventilation systems to your Interbloc storage, allowing to maintain a high quality product
• Combine the thickness of Interbloc’s 600mm blocks, roof, and hinged doors to create a solution that limits light exposure. This will also maintain a high quality product
• For bulks fertsilier storage bins, consider adding the 1200 base block to your design. These concrete blocks helps to increase the wall’s load capacities.

Silage Bunkers

Interbloc's silage bunkers offer an efficient and reliable storage solution for New Zealand farmers. The bunkers are designed to withstand the harsh weather conditions that are common in the country, providing long-lasting protection for silage. The modular design of the bunkers also allows for easy assembly and customization, enabling farmers to adapt to changing storage requirements and optimize their silage production.

Before designing your bunker, understand what you want to achieve. Ask yourself these questions

• How much feed do you need to store immediately?
• What are your future plans for the farm?
• How many cows do you have, and how often do you intend to feed them?
• Ensure that you feed across the face of the bunker at least every three days; cutting into the face at 15 – 20cm

More Interbloc Benefits For the Rural Industry

BUYBACK GUARANTEE

The buyback guarantee gives you peace of mind, allowing you to build for now and plan for the future. If you no longer need your blocks on-site, you can sell them back to us. The offer is:

• We’ll buy back Interbloc manufactured and sold blocks only
• The minimum price is calculated as a percentage of the original purchase price, quality, and age of the block as set out in the table below.
• Blocks originally sold as seconds, rejects, special blocks, flat top, flat bottom, and capper blocks are excluded, however, we may still choose to offer a buyback on these blocks on an adhoc basis.
• The guarantee is only available to the original purchaser and is not transferable
• We may, at our discretion, offer different rates than shown in the table below

LONG-LASTING, STRONG, CERTIFIED CONCRETE

With heavy machinery frequently operating on a farm, you need a storage solution that’s strong. All Interbloc precast blocks are made with a minimum of 20 MPA and are 600mm thick. These concrete blocks also provide a strong solution for the worsening weather conditions across the country.

You can combine Interbloc with vertical reinforcing and/or geogrid for a stronger solution. For these options, you’ll need an engineered design.

FAST INSTALLATION & NON-DESTRUCTIVE DISMANTLING

160m2 of wall can be installed per day with Interbloc, making for a quick solution. This is all down to the modularity of the Interbloc system, giving you the ability to build storage for worsening weather conditions.

By using Interbloc’s modular concrete blocks, you can build strong structures in a fraction of the time compared to traditional storage methods. This means you can do more with less, reducing dependence on manual labour and freeing up time for other essential tasks.

If you need to adapt your designs, or no longer need your blocks, Interbloc can be non-destructively dismantled.

SUSTAINABILITY

We’ve made sustainability easy so you can focus on your day-to-day operations and future planning. Largely, this is done with our low carbon, zero waste interlocking concrete blocks - Interbloc. Independently verified by an EPD, you don’t need to drastically change what you’re doing on the farm to reach sustainability requirements.

Here’s the sustainability acts that Interbloc works with so you don't have to:

• Waste Minimisation Act
• Zero Carbon Act

For 2023 and beyond, Interbloc works rural storage

Interbloc continues to offer practical and reliable storage solutions for the rural industry in New Zealand. With the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns and challenges such as labor shortages, Interbloc's modular and durable designs offer a flexible and sustainable solution. From fertilizers and animal feed to silage and general storage, Interbloc's concrete blocks and bins are designed to withstand the harshest conditions and provide long-lasting protection. As the industry continues to evolve, Interbloc's commitment to quality and innovation ensures that they will remain a trusted partner for farmers seeking efficient and effective storage solutions.