Not sure what size Grain Bunker Size you need for your desired capacity? Try our Grain Bunker Calculator.
Not sure what size Grain Bunker Size you need for your desired capacity? Try our Grain Bunker Calculator.
Australia’s almond industry operates at a very large scale. The majority of production sits along the Murray River corridor, spanning the Riverina (NSW), Sunraysia (VIC/NSW), Riverland (SA) and extending west to the Swan region in Western Australia.
Almond harvest runs from February through April, but storage planning begins months earlier.
During peak season, growers face three simultaneous pressures:
Bunker storage is not just an overflowing space. It is a structural protection system that directly influences crop value.
Australia is one of the world’s leading almond exporters. Major processors source from most local growers, meaning intake schedules can shift during peak periods. That directly impacts bunker holding time. The season unfolds differently across regions.
Almond stockpiles face three predictable threats:
Industrial tarpaulins act as a controlled barrier. Their performance depends on material quality and construction method.
Fully welded seams ensure 100% waterproof protection by eliminating stitch perforations. High tear resistance protects against wind load and handling stress. Anti-rot properties prevent biological breakdown in fluctuating humidity.
Polytex specialises in manufacturing standard and custom almond bunker covers designed specifically for Australian agricultural conditions.
Maintaining almond quality during storage is critical to protecting your bottom line. From harvest through to processing, a range of environmental and biological factors can lead to downgrades and once quality is compromised, it cannot be recovered. With almond being highly susceptible to changing weather conditions and pests, the right cover needs to be chosen to ensure high performance and ease of handling.
The most commonly used cover for almond storage is AgriShield 370gsm PP tarpaulin. It is widely chosen for its:
This heavy-duty option provides reliable protection throughout the storage period.
Subsoil moisture migration is often underestimated. Without a barrier, the lowest almond layer can be compromised. The CovaWeave 250gsm is often used as a ground sheet beneath the stack. Its purpose is to:
The highest exposure risk occurs during inloading.
Progressive covering during bunker formation reduces vulnerability to sudden rainfall. Waiting until full completion increases exposure time unnecessarily. Tension must be distributed evenly across the bunker surface. Edge sealing should be continuous to maintain waterproof integrity and fumigation readiness. Handling equipment such as tarp rollers improves safety and reduces strain during deployment.
Extended holding periods may require fumigation.
Gas containment depends entirely on effective sealing. Custom-welded fumigation access points allow controlled application without compromising tarp integrity. By using sealants designed for agricultural tarps you can join the ends and ensure continuity where multiple panels are used.
Planning for fumigation should occur before harvest, not reactively after stacking.
Storage failures are not uncommon, they are a result from predictable oversights. Avoiding these errors protects both product and capital investment.
Storage Issue
Consequence
Preventative Strategy
Delayed cover deployment
Surface staining
Progressive installation
Poor pad drainage
Water pooling
Pre-harvest site grading
Lightweight fabric selection
Premature tearing
Industrial-grade material use
Inadequate seam inspection
Water ingress
Pre-season inspection protocol
Improper tensioning
Wind damage
Even load distribution
Bunker covers should be ordered prior to harvest to avoid peak-season production bottlenecks and ensure correct custom sizing. Planning ahead also allows time to assess bunker dimensions, ground sheet requirements and any additional features such as fumigation access points. If you aren’t sure what your bunker capacity needs to be, use our Grain Bunker Calculator.
UV-stabilised polyethylene covers perform reliably in high-exposure environments. Heavy-duty polypropylene fabrics also provide strong UV resistance with enhanced tear strength, making them suitable for multi-season use in regions with intense sunlight.
Storage duration depends on processor intake schedules, environmental conditions and sealing integrity. Properly installed and sealed bunker systems can support both short-term harvest holding and extended storage where required.
Welded seams eliminate stitch perforations and provide continuous waterproof protection across the entire tarp surface. This construction method significantly reduces moisture penetration risk during rainfall events.
With proper cleaning, inspection and storage practices, the almond bunker covers can provide multi-season performance. Lifespan depends on UV exposure, handling practices and regional environmental conditions.
Polytex provides rapid production and delivery of standard and custom-made almond bunker covers engineered for Australian harvest conditions. Durable materials, welded seam construction and tailored sizing support growers through demanding seasonal cycles. Get in touch to know more.