Molasses as drought insurance

Multiple poly molasses storage tanks allow this Central Queensland beef producer to store bulk molasses when prices are low and feed it out when grass is limited.

Molasses is effective drought insurance for grazing enterprises — the key is to have sufficient storage in place to stock up on molasses when it's plentiful and low-cost.

As with all supply and demand scenarios, molasses is most expensive when it's in high demand, such as during seasons of prolonged drought.

In past years, Australian beef producers have had to purchase imported molasses at a premium price due to short supply on the domestic market. 

Those with molasses storage tanks on farm can fill their tanks early in the molasses season when prices are low and have peace of mind during continued dry conditions, knowing they have sufficient molasses supply to carry their herd through the season. 

Molasses has a long shelf life and, if stored properly, will keep well for many years. 

There are several storage options available to suit the various scales of need. 

Poly storage tanks in the 10,200 gallon size are a popular product. These are a reliable tank that can hold a road train load of molasses with room to spare. More tanks can be added to a molasses handling system as storage needs increase. 

Poly cone-bottom tanks are also growing in popularity due to their full-drain capability. These are ideal for the use of molasses in feed mixes, such as for feedlots or custom feed programs.

Molasses bladders are another storage option where a geomembrane liner is used to create an in-ground storage pit for molasses.

Contact us for more information on molasses storage options. 

After molasses storage is in place and tanks are filled, the next question is how to handle the molasses. You can find out more about pumps and handling systems here.

Two 10,200 gallon poly molasses tanks store molasses and M8U for cattle feed.

A round poly molasses tank and a cone-bottom poly molasses tank combined with a molasses pump and standpipe form a complete storage and handling system at this Clermont, Queensland property.

An expandable two-tank molasses handling system, currently with one molasses tank connected. A second tank will be installed later. The manifold can expand to connect to more tanks as storage needs grow.

A four-tank molasses storage system near Rubyvale, Queensland, allows for bulk storage of molasses which is used in dry times to supplement-feed beef cattle. A manifold and molasses pump connect to a standpipe for easy unloading.

A manifold and molasses pump make for easy feeding of molasses from this four-tank storage system.