Peerless Silo Begrudgingly Comes Down

By Tammi Fladager

For nearly 50 years, two

blue silos have stood over the Fladager property near Peerless. The smaller of the two, standing at 60 feet, was

erected in 1968 when Milton Fladager stuffed it full of silage and fed cattle in his feedlot. Milton’s sons were excited about the success they had witnessed due to the first silo and urged Milton to

build the second, which was

$200,000 to install.

Unfortunately, due to global events beyond Milton’s control, including double- digit interest rates and bottom of the barrel calf prices, it was soon evident that the silo would never pay for itself. As the 70's problems turned into the 80's drought, the silos went from being productive, silage-storing towers to landmarks.

When in production, it has been reported that the larger silo could hold 400 tons of

haylage or silage compared

with the smaller silo's 100

tons. These structures are made from steel with bakedon glass to produce an oxygen- limiting envir...