New storage shed? Make the right choice now.

Winter brings peace to the farm. The land lies empty and sometimes plowed, the harvest is over, and there's time to look ahead. This period is ideal for considering investments for the future, such as building a new storage shed. One of the most important choices is the storage method: will you choose bulk storage or crate storage?

At Tolsma-Grisnich, we're seeing this choice become increasingly conscious. Not just capacity, but especially flexibility, product quality, and future-proofing are playing an increasingly important role.

Bulk or crates: no standard answer
There's no single "best" storage method that works for everyone. The right choice depends on several factors: the cultivation plan, the region, the varieties, the desired sales periods, and the company's operational methods.

Bulk storage is often chosen for large, uniform batches, such as French fry potatoes. The system is efficient, fast to store, and allows for high storage capacity. Crate storage, on the other hand, offers greater control over the storage process and makes it easier to keep batches separate, which can be particularly beneficial for seed potatoes, table potatoes, and onions.

Winter is the time to ask yourself: what will my cultivation and sales look like in five to ten years?

Steering towards quality is becoming increasingly important
Product quality requirements are increasing, and storage seasons are getting longer. This calls for greater control. Crate storage allows for precise control of the drying and storage process, for example, by ventilating, blowing, or vacuuming each row or compartment. This allows for better response to variations within batches, such as wet spots or quality differences due to harvesting conditions.

With bulk storage, this control is more limited. If a problem arises deep within the batch, intervention is more difficult and often more drastic. This doesn't have to be a problem, but it does require a different way of thinking and working.

Logistics and labor: now and in the future
A new storage facility is built for a long period. Therefore, it's wise to also critically consider labor and logistics. Bulk storage is fast and efficient during the initial storage phase, but offers less flexibility during the storage phase. Crate storage requires more handling and equipment, but offers greater flexibility, sorting, and staggered delivery options.

Practical matters also play a role: forklift movements, walking routes, building height, permits, and safety. These are topics that must be carefully considered during the design phase and are now the time to discuss with a storage specialist, if necessary.

Investment: look beyond just construction costs
On paper, bulk storage often seems to require a larger construction investment, while crate storage entails additional costs for crates, internal transport, and labor. In practice, the total investments are often closer together than anticipated.

More important than the initial cost is the question: which system will offer me the most flexibility, peace of mind, and quality in the long run? And how does this align with my company's development?

Ask yourself the right questions
Anyone thinking about new construction in the winter would do well to ask themselves a number of critical questions:

• How do I want to market my product in the future?
• How important is flexibility in varieties and delivery times?
• Do I want to be able to intervene per party or per cell?
• What will my workforce look like in a few years?
• If I were to rebuild my current shed, what would I do differently?

These questions often provide more direction than technical specifications alone.

Looking ahead together
A storage shed is a long-term investment. That's why we believe at Tolsma-Grisnich that a good choice starts with thinking, comparing and looking ahead.

Thinking about your needs and future plans now will give you peace of mind and clarity when the construction season resumes. We're happy to work with you to create a storage shed that suits your business, both today and tomorrow.