SILOS

 Seth McFarland

January 26, 2026

Silos - those tall, cylindrical structures used to commonly used to store silage. They are monuments of the twentieth century seen rising above the horizon across the country. For decades these structures were some of the tallest in most communities, and helped indicate where farms and townships stood. From their height, one could take in a rare view of the sweeping landscape below. The towers are also used as radio beacons, and enjoyed for perches of vulture committees.

 

In 1919, Pawnee county was dotted with many silos. The average size of silos in other Kansas counties averaged thirty feet in height, but the concrete silos in Pawnee County averaged sixty feet. The capacity of the silos, along with the number of silos indicated the crop yields of the time. Pawnee county listed over 325 silos. While the average height was sixty feet, some silos in Larned were as tall as seventy- two feet with a five hundred ton capacity.

 

The average price for silage was $5.000 to $10.00 per ton, and so it was estimated that the silo owners averaged $50 to $150 per acre of kafir corn crops. Other varieties of corn and sweet sorghum were also used, although the kafir yielded a greater tonnage.

Although the silo was indicator of prosperity, the silo was also considered the handmaiden of thrift. This is because the silo eliminated waste, and made it possible to get the full feed value of the whole plant.

Noted silos included two silos at the Larned State Hospital and at the Fort Larned ranch, which was a private ranch at that time. Other types of silos included tile silos and pit silos. The pit silo was noted to be especially adaptable to Pawnee county.

 

(Image taken from the 1919 Tiller and Toiler Wheat Edition)