Let’s take a field guide approach and examine some of the modern (post-1900) silo types you might discover while exploring rural America.įarmers experimented with silage for a few decades in the 1800s, mostly using pits or square structures constructed inside existing barns. Over the years, there have been a number of different solutions to the silage storage unit: the modern silo. In theory, the fermentation process and the silo will protect the silage from rot. Storing the silage in the low-oxygen environment of the silo encourages anaerobic microbes to ferment the forage product, but in a way that ruminants-including sheep, goats and, significantly, cattle-can still digest. But farmers put silage up fresh, so the key to long-term silage storage involves keeping oxygen levels to a minimum.
When farmers make hay, the key to preservation is to ensure low moisture content and to keep the hay dry. You need a way to keep the silage from spoiling. This fact has made it possible for dairy farmers to keep cows in reliable milk production even during the winter.īut one caveat exists. They’re also responsible for one of the more important inventions in the history of modern agriculture: silage.ĭeveloped through experiments in the 1800s, silage is essentially a foliage crop-perhaps an entire corn stalk, perhaps an entire alfalfa plant, perhaps something else-that has been finely chopped and then stored while the moisture content is still high, somewhere near 60 percent.īecause of the moisture content, silage maintains a higher energy and protein level than dried forage (hay). Silos do much more than just hold dry grain or seed. And the word “silo” actually comes from the Greek word “siros,” meaning “a pit to hold grain.” Roman records indicate that pits stored grain in northern Africa. The same is true of those from ancient Greece, the Middle East, and North and South America. Indeed, remains of ancient Egyptian storehouses are still in existence today. The most famous ancient account of this idea is probably the biblical story in Genesis 41, in which Joseph advises Egypt to stockpile grain so that it may survive the seven years of predicted famine. By doing just what they did, they changed the way we feed the world.F or millennia, agricultural civilizations have realized that the ability to store excess grain produced by bumper crops provides a safety buffer against lean years, or even just a long winter. The Golden Silo Award for It Takes an Iowan – Hero in American Agriculture honors an individual, organization, business, agency, or local government who has been a catalyst to revolutionize the industry of agriculture. It Takes An Iowan – Hero in American Agriculture, Marji Guyler-Alaniz The Golden Silo Award for Outstanding Volunteer recognizes an individual who has given tirelessly to the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area. The Golden Silo Award for Outstanding Preservation in Agriculture honors an individual, organization, project, business, agency, or local government who has shown extraordinary effort in preserving the icons of American agriculture. Outstanding Preservation in Agriculture, Jenison Meacham Memorial Art Museum & Farm and Belmond Historical Society Museum, Belmond, Iowa The Golden Silo Award Partner Site honors a Partner Site who has shown excellence in interpreting the story of American agriculture. Outstanding Partner Site, Seed Savers Exchange, Decorah, Iowa This is the eighth year for this award, named for Alan Hutchings of the National Park Service whose vision was so critical to our very creation as National Heritage Area. The Golden Silo Award for The Alan Hutchings Outstanding Visionary honors an individual, organization, business, agency, or local government who has shown sustained support for the Heritage Area for more than five years, created a legacy in heritage development that has made all the difference, and provided leadership in the heritage development movement. The following individuals and organizations were recognized for their contributions:Īlan Hutchings Outstanding Visionary, Jim Hoyt 8, at The Courtyard by Marriott, Waterloo.Īwards are presented to individuals and organizations whose contributions demonstrate excellence in preserving and telling America’s agricultural story, both past and present. Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area (SSNHA) honored the Heritage Area’s finest during its 15th Annual Golden Silo Barn Party, Friday, Nov. CONGRATULATIONS 2019 GOLDEN SILO AWARD WINNERS
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