Hehir's Transport, based in Rand, N.S.W. recently opened stage one of their new grain storage facility. The opening was performed by Mr Ray Brooks, principle of Brooks Grain, one of the largest private grain buyers in Sth East Australia. Mr Brooks paid compliment to the energy and vision of Ross and Andrea Hehir who have diversified their transport business to include grain buying, receival and handling as well as fertiliser distribution.

The new installation includes 3 "Kotzur" GP 10-13.3 (1400 tonne) silos. Provision has been made to expand the complex to a total of 9 silos, exceeding 12,500 tonnes total capacity. These silos are sealed gastight and aerated for optimal stored grain quality. The silos are filled by a central "Keogh" auger which can be upgraded to incorporate a road receival hopper and outloading facilities as part of a future expansion. The silos were used for canola storage during the 1999 harvest.

A special feature of the aeration system is the incorporation of a Rimik AC 12, Wet Bulb sensing aeration controller. Hehirs Transport installed the first such controller in Australia. This latest technology allows for optimal aeration cooling whilst reducing the risk of localised wetting of the grain adjacent to the aeration ducts. Australian research has shown that a typical aeration system operates as much as 30% more efficient than one that relies on the operator to make the decision of when to turn the fans on and off.

The commitment of Hehir's Transport to the grain industries was further demonstrated recently with the commencement of stage two of the facility. This is due to be ready for the 2000 summer harvest.