For generations, towering concrete silos have been among the defining features of the American Corn Belt, standing beside red barns and sprawling fields as enduring symbols of rural life. But as modern farming practices evolve, many of these once-essential structures are disappearing from the landscape. According to a report by KCUR, National Public Radio in Kansas City, one woman has taken on the remarkable task of documenting nearly 200 silos built by her grandfather, preserving an important part of agricultural history before more of these structures disappear.
Why silos became icons of the American Corn Belt
During much of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, silos were very important structures in the farms dotting the Midwest region. These silos stored fermented forage, known as silage, which provided nutritious feed for livestock throughout the year. As dairy and cattle farming expanded across states such as Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri, silos became an almost universal feature of family farms. Constructed from concrete, brick, stone or wood, many of these tall cylindrical structures were built to last for decades and often became local landmarks reflecting the craftsmanship of their builders.According to KCUR, Marianne May has spent the past six years identifying, photographing and mapping nearly 200 silos built by her grandfather, Frank May, a well-known concrete silo builder in northern Illinois. Travelling across rural communities and speaking with landowners, she has documented many surviving structures, preserving the legacy of her grandfather’s craftsmanship before more silos disappear from the landscape.What began as a personal effort to trace her grandfather’s work has evolved into a valuable record of rural agricultural history. By documenting the locations, histories and condition of these silos, she is helping preserve an important chapter of rural American history. The surviving structures stand as reminders of an era when skilled builders like Frank May travelled from farm to farm, constructing durable silos that became an essential part of agricultural life across the Midwest.
Image Credit: Canva
Why preserving these disappearing landmarks matters
The decline of traditional upright silos reflects broader changes in agriculture. Advances in farming technology have introduced more efficient methods of storing livestock feed including bunker silos, silage bags and other large-scale storage systems that better suit today’s mechanised farms. As a result, many older silos have fallen into disuse – some demolished because of safety concerns, maintenance costs or changing land use. According to preservation experts, these structures represent much more than old farm buildings.These represent the legacy of agricultural advancements and the skills of rural artisans, which contributed towards the development of farming methods and shaped the American Midwest. The unique profile of these silos has long been an intrinsic element of the Corn Belt’s history and culture.This initiative shows how individual efforts can help preserve history even when physical structures cannot always be saved. By photographing, mapping and recording the stories behind nearly 200 silos, the project ensures that the work of earlier generations of builders and the communities they served will not be forgotten. With the loss of many of the traditional structures used on farms, it is becoming more necessary to maintain their histories. The silos are not just historic artefacts; they also represent generations of agricultural innovation, craftsmanship and rural life across the American Corn Belt.
