Fertilizer Is Ordered. Is Your Storage Tank Ready?

For many farmers, fall and early winter are when plans for the next growing season start coming together. Fertilizer gets priced, orders are placed, and deliveries are scheduled for late winter or early spring.

But there’s another piece of the puzzle that can sometimes get pushed down the list:

Where are you going to store it when it arrives?

At DK Tanks & Pipe, we’re already seeing an increase in quote requests for stainless steel liquid fertilizer storage tanks. As farmers prepare for fertilizer deliveries in February, March and April, the demand for storage tanks tends to increase quickly.

If you know you’ll need additional liquid fertilizer storage for the upcoming season, now is a good time to start planning.

Fertilizer Delivery Dates Can Sneak Up Quickly

When fertilizer is ordered months in advance, February or March can seem like a long way off. But finding the right storage tank, arranging transportation, preparing the site and getting everything ready for delivery can take time.

Waiting until the fertilizer truck is scheduled to arrive can create unnecessary headaches.

That’s why we encourage farmers to start thinking about storage capacity well before their fertilizer delivery date.

Ask yourself:

• How many gallons of fertilizer have I ordered?

• Do I have enough available storage capacity?

• Are my existing tanks in good condition?

• Do I want additional capacity for future seasons?

• Is my site prepared for another tank?

• How quickly can the tank I need be delivered?

Answering those questions now can make things much easier when spring arrives.

Expect Increased Demand for Stainless Steel Fertilizer Tanks

Agricultural demand for storage tanks is seasonal, and the months leading into spring planting can get busy.

We’re already seeing that trend.

Quote activity for stainless steel fertilizer storage tanks has increased as farmers begin lining up their storage needs with fertilizer purchases. As we move closer to spring, that demand can increase even further.

The important thing to understand about lead times is that they can change.

Tank size, availability, transportation, fabrication requirements and overall market demand can all affect how quickly a tank can get to your farm. A tank that is available today may not necessarily still be available several weeks from now.

If you know the approximate size you need, getting a quote early gives you more time to evaluate your options instead of trying to find a solution at the last minute.

What About Stainless Steel Tank Prices?

One piece of good news is that, at the moment, we are seeing stainless steel fertilizer tank pricing remain relatively steady.

There are always outside factors that can affect transportation and equipment costs. Fuel costs, freight rates, steel markets and overall demand can all influence the final delivered cost of a storage tank.

Recent increases in fuel costs are something we continue to watch because transportation is an important part of moving large tanks. However, our stainless steel tank pricing itself has remained relatively stable.

As always, market conditions can change, so farmers planning a purchase should request current pricing based on the tank size, location and delivery requirements.

How Much Fertilizer Storage Do You Need?

One of the first things we ask customers is how much material they expect to store.

DK Tanks & Pipe offers stainless steel storage tanks in a variety of capacities, making it possible to match storage with the needs of individual farms and agricultural operations.

When considering tank capacity, don't just think about this year's fertilizer order. It may make sense to consider where your operation will be several years from now.

Adding additional capacity today could provide more flexibility for future fertilizer purchases, delivery schedules and overall farm operations.

Don't Forget About the Site

The tank itself is only part of the project.

Before your tank arrives, consider where it will be located, how delivery equipment will access the site and what preparation may be necessary.

Depending on the application and local requirements, you may also need to consider the foundation, containment, plumbing, valves, pumps and other components associated with your fertilizer storage system.

Planning those details ahead of time can help make tank delivery and installation much smoother.

Don't Wait Until the Fertilizer Truck Is on the Way

Every year, spring seems to arrive faster than expected.

If you've already ordered liquid fertilizer for the upcoming season but still need additional storage, now is the time to start looking at your options.

The closer we get to fertilizer delivery and planting season, the more farmers will be looking for tanks at the same time. Availability and lead times can change quickly during periods of increased demand.

DK Tanks & Pipe works with farmers and agricultural operations throughout the Midwest and across the country to help source stainless steel tanks for liquid fertilizer storage.

Whether you're replacing an existing tank, expanding your storage capacity or preparing for a fertilizer order you've already placed, we can help you determine what options are currently available.

Contact DK Tanks & Pipe today for current stainless steel fertilizer tank availability, pricing and estimated lead times.