Farm Silos

Silos were first used on farms in the 1880s to store silage, a moist and fermented fodder made from a variety of plant materials and primarily fed to cows. Silage had higher energy and protein levels than dried hay, making it possible for dairy farmers to keep their cows in reliable milk production during the winter months and provide year-round income.

Storing silage for several months involved keeping moisture levels high while keeping oxygen levels to a minimum so fermentation could take place. Round wood silos became popular because they minimized air leakage. Their vertical staves were held tightly in place by iron bands, equalizing the outward pressure and eliminating interior corners where the silage could spoil.

The fermentation process unfortunately produced silage acids that gradually deteriorated the silo. By 1900, wood silos began to be replaced by other materials that were more resistant to deterioration from silage seepage like masonry, steel and even glass. These newer silos produced better results but don’t have the visual appeal of the early wood silos.