Internally reinforced concrete bunker
walls for superior storage solutions.
Efficient feeding, built for generations
South Island Agricultural Field Days
March 26 - 28 2025, Kirwee
Site E 105
South Island Agricultural Field Days March 26 - 28 2025, Kirwee Site E 105
Concrete Si-lution is a European inspired concrete silage bunker that has been designed and adapted to meet the Kiwi market and improve silage storage in New Zealand.
About Concrete
Si-lution
A European upbringing – and a strong dislike for feed wastage – has resulted a superior, sustainable concrete silage bunker solution for New Zealand farmers.
Martin Sneek was a long-term herd owning sharemilker based with his family near Rangiora, in North Canterbury.
Like most dairy farmers, making silage is a significant part of the spring workload. Martin wanted a sustainable and streamlined solution for his own daily operations, and he wanted it done right.
Using his European and Agricultural background Martin designed a prefabricated and internally reinforced concrete bunker wall. To bring the bunkers to the New Zealand market Martin then collaborated with civil engineering firm Eliot Sinclair & Partners to refine and certify the design. For the installation of your Concrete Si-lution investment we happily provide the contacts of experienced and recommended building contractors.
The “Why”
The motivation for making the Concrete Si-lution silage bunker available to others was born from the appreciation for the time, money, and feed quality that is routinely lost in traditional silage pits.
“New Zealand dairy farmers could often do better with feed storage,” Martin says. “Really, pit silage has been the silent thief of feed quantity and quality, and that has undoubtedly had a significant impact on milk production and animal performance in this country.
“Concrete pits save labour – covering and uncovering the pit – it saves plastic, it saves environmental leeching, and it saves contracting time, and you achieve better feed compaction.”
Users of the Concrete Si-lution system can expect to save 5% to 8% on silage contracting bills because of the more effective compaction that is made possible by a well-designed concrete silage bunker.
Concrete is a one-off cost
Studies prove that concrete silage pits are a one-off investment and a reliable insurance to make sure feed comes out the way it was put in.
No detail has been left out in this design. The stand-alone walls don’t need to be braced from behind.
They also include reinforcing steel – which is sealed within the concrete – negating any risk of potential rust. The walls also feature an exclusive tongue and groove design on both sides for additional bonding and strength.
The CAD [computer-aided design] means the pre-fabricated dimensions are always on-point.
“The intricate design of the Concrete Si-lution panels removes the need for back bracing, which takes time and more concrete,” Martin confirms. “Farmers don’t have to build anything else or buy any more concrete outside of the boxed floor [to bridge the gap between the walls].”
“Concrete Si-lution is proud of what we can – and have been able to do – in this space for our fellow farmers.”
Engineered for excellence
The Senior Structural Engineer at Eliot Sinclair & Partners, Simon Macdonald, says it was easy to get involved. “Martin had a great idea, and we’re here to support and bring such great ideas to life,” Simon said.
Simon comes from a rural part of West Wales, and he was also familiar with concrete bunkers.
“The difference between north-west Europe and New Zealand in the past has been that New Zealanders have tended to dig out a bit of a gravel pit,” Simon says. “It got the job done but it’s been pretty basic.
“What Martin has done is introduce a modern contemporary option for New Zealand.”
“This is an owner-driven approach, but we’ve been involved to make sure the engineering adheres to New Zealand’s building codes.”
Summary
No back bracing needed – saving building costs
A quick release clamp is available for installation (smoother installation)
Tyre clearance means the tyres don’t rub against the concrete
Ideal for multi-purpose storage uses
There is potential for a removable canopy addition to make a temporary barn
Relocatable
Made from 50 MPa smooth, slick, certified concrete with a microsilica additive for durability
Moulded using specialised CAD design
Certified design to New Zealand building codes
Imbedded with high tensile steel encased in the concrete
Tongue and grooved walls for additional bonding and strength
