Defra state that 66% of farms have diversified their land with various activities, and these farms are now seeing the benefits of enjoyed success, both on a personal and financial level, increased efficiency and utilising redundant land or farm buildings. By branching out, farmers are able to increase the number of revenue sources, ensuring that they are less susceptible to only one income source letting them down.

Storage containers are an increasingly popular form of farming diversification as they enable farmers to utilise spare or unused farmland. Large storage solutions are essential for farmers to store agricultural equipment, chemicals, machinery, animal feed and much more. Farms located in tourist locations and costal areas require additional space for seasonal items and have a high demand for winter storage. There is also a growing market for renting out storage spaces for other farmers and locals.

How are farmers using storage containers?

Storage containers secure tools, machinery, and agricultural chemicals, ensuring they remain safe and stored away. Additionally, some farmers repurpose and rent out containers as mobile offices or break rooms. By providing durable, weatherproof storage solutions, containers help farmers manage resources effectively, enhance security, and maintain a well-organised operation across various aspects of their work.

Farmers are able to earn additional income through renting out storage containers to other farms and locals on unused farmland. They are provided with a regular income and will achieve a successful ROI within 2-3 years depending on prices charged. With land prices rising, many farmers are expanding their businesses and diversifying through rental (contract farming) arrangements.

What are the main issues farmers are facing?

Climate change has significantly affected the agricultural industry due to volatile weather conditions such as floods and droughts which have resulted reduced crop productivity. The fluctuation in weather has also allowed weeds, fungi and pests to thrive, thus spoiling produce. In addition to sustainability, storage containers are the perfect solution to keep produce, feed, and equipment away from damage.

A case study from Cleveland Containers provides a perfect example of how storage containers are successfully diversified on farmland. They state, “Shires Land & Property Ltd manages Shires Bridge Business Park and Shires Self Storage, and features an impressive, refurbished mill building surrounded by 31 business units and a self-storage site that holds 68 20ft shipping containers.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, farm diversification has become an essential strategy for modern farmers, enabling them to maximize land use, boost income, and enhance overall efficiency. Storage containers, in particular, offer a practical and profitable solution, providing secure storage for equipment, feed, and seasonal goods while also serving as an additional revenue stream through rental opportunities. As climate change continues to pose challenges to the agricultural sector, innovative solutions like storage containers help safeguard essential resources and support sustainable farming practices. By embracing diversification, farmers can future-proof their businesses and create more resilient, adaptable operations.