Behlen Grain Systems

06/01/2026

We're headed to the Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo in St. Louis, June 2–4!

Be sure to stop by Booth 3027 and visit Greg and David, who will be representing Sweet Material Handling and Behlen Grain Systems. They'll be available throughout the show to discuss your material handling, grain storage, and facility needs.

We look forward to connecting with you and sharing solutions that help keep your operation running efficiently.

See you in St. Louis!

05/28/2026

We had the honor of celebrating 90 years of Behlen Mfg. right here in Springfield! 🎉

Since the very beginning, Behlen’s roots have been deeply planted in agriculture, building solutions that support the hardworking people who keep this industry moving. Ninety years later, that same commitment to agriculture and American manufacturing is still going strong.

At Sweet Material Handling, we’re proud to continue supporting agricultural and industrial operations with equipment and solutions that help businesses move efficiently and safely every day.

Happy 90th Anniversary, Behlen Mfg.! Here’s to a remarkable legacy and many more years ahead. 🚜👏

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, Behlen Grain Systems honors and remembers the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Because of their courage and selflessness, we have the freedom to build, grow, and support the industries that help keep America strong, including the agricultural communities that feed and sustain our nation every day.

From the farms across rural America to the families and workers dedicated to agriculture, we are thankful for those who served and protected the freedoms we hold dear.

Today, we remember the heroes who gave everything for this country and honor the families who continue to carry their legacy forward with pride.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend.

05/18/2026

Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to bucket elevators.

Capacity isn’t just about building the biggest system possible; it comes down to choosing the right combination of:
• Bucket size
• Belt speed
• Pulley diameter

When those components are properly matched, you get better efficiency, smoother material handling, reduced wear, and more reliable long-term performance.

The goal isn’t maximum capacity.
It’s the right capacity for your operation, your material, and your facility needs.

That’s where engineered solutions make the difference.

05/06/2026

On May 5th, 1955, a Behlen-built structure stood just 6,800 feet from ground zero during an atomic bomb test in Yucca Flats, Nevada, and it endured.

More than 70 years later, that same spirit of strength still runs through what we do every day. The same manufacturing line and craftsmanship that built structures tough enough to withstand history’s greatest tests continue to shape our work today.

Some things are built for the moment. Others are built to last.

May 5, 1955, this building survived an atomic bomb test blast 6,800 feet away from ground zero in Yucca Flats, Nevada.

Manufactured by the Behlen plant in Columbus, Nebraska, the metal shed withstood pressure loads of around 600 Ibs/sq foot.

04/28/2026

Not all bucket elevators are created equal.

Small design differences, especially in the head and boot, can have a big impact on:
• Discharge efficiency
• Bucket fill
• Overall system performance

If your system feels like a bottleneck during harvest, it might not be capacity; it might be design.

04/25/2026

Part 4 of 4: Reducing Errors & Long-Term Issues

Most costly problems don’t show up on day one—they show up later.

These upgrades are designed to prevent issues before they happen:

✔️ Full floor flashing kits
→ Reduce drilling during install

✔️ Better panel alignment
→ Helps eliminate mis-punched panels

✔️ Roof exhaust improvements
→ Helps prevent potential water leaks

Why it matters:
Fewer install errors = fewer long-term headaches.

That’s a wrap on this series—built to improve performance from install to long-term operation.

04/15/2026

Part 3 of 4: Access, Safety & Ease of Use

Small design changes can make a big difference in safety and usability.

Here’s what’s improving:

✔️ Rectangular door design
→ No more “knuckle buster” access

✔️ Portal frame upgrades
→ No field welding or torching required

✔️ Standardized ladder packages
→ Easier ordering and installation

✔️ Improved side draw panels
→ Faster, cleaner installs

Why it matters:
Better access and safer installs reduce risk for both crews and operations.

Coming next: how these updates help prevent costly issues down the road.

04/09/2026

Part 2 of 4: Faster, Smarter Installs

If install time is eating into your schedule, the design might be the problem.
New bin designs are focused on reducing time in the field:

✔️ Roof redesign
→ Cuts roughly 38 hours of welding

✔️ Standardized components
→ Less guesswork, fewer errors

✔️ Simplified installs
→ Designed to reduce field modifications

Why it matters:
Less time installing = lower labor costs and faster project turnaround.

Next up in Part 3: how small design changes are improving safety and day-to-day usability.

04/07/2026

We’re breaking down key engineering updates designed to improve strength, efficiency, and long-term performance, starting with structural improvements.

Here’s what’s changing behind the scenes:

✔️ New sidewall bolt patterns
→ Fewer bolts, but stronger connections

✔️ Updated lacing sheet design
→ Up to 1.5x bolt strength compared to legacy builds

✔️ Higher load options available
→ Built to handle more demanding applications

Why it matters:
Stronger design + fewer components = less labor, fewer failure points, and better long-term performance.

This is Part 1 of 4. Next, we’ll take a closer look at how these updates impact installation and labor in the field.

Behlen Grain Systems is a global leader in complete grain systems, backed by generations of expertise and a strong customer service orientation.