Agriculture Industry
Reliable and cost-effective IBC tote solutions for farms, nurseries, and agricultural operations. Our containers help you store and transport fertilizers, pesticides, water, and other agricultural liquids efficiently.
275-330
Gallon Capacity
50%+
Cost Savings vs New
UV
Stabilized HDPE
5+
Years Service Life
Farm-Ready Container Solutions
Agriculture demands durable, practical solutions that can withstand outdoor conditions and heavy use. Our IBC totes are perfect for storing bulk liquids like fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation water at a fraction of the cost of new containers.
From small family farms to large agricultural operations, we provide containers that make liquid storage and transport simple and efficient. Our totes are easy to fill, easy to dispense from, and built to last through seasons of use.
We understand the agricultural calendar and can help you plan container purchases to match your seasonal needs. Whether you're applying spring fertilizer, storing irrigation water for summer, or collecting rainwater for organic operations, we have the right containers at the right price.
Agricultural Applications
IBC totes serve countless purposes on modern farms. Here are the most common agricultural applications we support.
Liquid Fertilizers
- Nitrogen Solutions (UAN 28-32)
Most common liquid fertilizer for row crops
- Phosphorus Blends
Starter fertilizers for seedling growth
- Potassium Solutions
Foliar and fertigation applications
- Micronutrient Mixes
Iron, zinc, manganese, copper blends
- Calcium & Magnesium
Secondary nutrient supplementation
- Humic & Fulvic Acids
Soil health amendments
Crop Protection
- Herbicides
Pre and post-emergent weed control
- Insecticides
Pest management concentrates
- Fungicides
Disease prevention solutions
- Adjuvants
Spray enhancers and surfactants
- Defoliants
Pre-harvest crop desiccants
- Growth Regulators
Plant hormone applications
Water Management
- Irrigation Storage
Field and greenhouse water reserves
- Fertigation Systems
Nutrient injection solutions
- Rainwater Collection
Harvested water storage
- Frost Protection
Overhead irrigation water
- Livestock Watering
Portable pasture supplies
- Greenhouse Systems
Climate-controlled growing water
Livestock Operations
- Liquid Feed Supplements
Molasses, mineral mixes, protein
- Milk Replacers
Calf and lamb nutrition
- Veterinary Solutions
Animal health products
- Cleaning Solutions
Dairy and barn sanitizers
- Fly Control
Pour-on and spray concentrates
- Electrolyte Mixes
Heat stress and illness recovery
Organic Farming
- Compost Tea
Aerobic microbial brews
- Fish Emulsion
Organic nitrogen source
- Seaweed Extracts
Plant growth stimulants
- Neem Oil
Natural pest deterrent
- Molasses
Soil biology food source
- Organic Acids
pH adjustment solutions
Farm Operations
- Diesel Fuel
Equipment fuel storage (approved IBCs)
- DEF Fluid
Diesel exhaust fluid for modern equipment
- Hydraulic Fluids
Equipment maintenance supplies
- Waste Oil Collection
Used oil for recycling
- Coolants
Antifreeze and cooling system fluids
- Cleaning Degreasers
Equipment maintenance solutions
Why Farms Choose IBC Totes
IBC totes offer significant advantages over drums, tanks, and other bulk storage options for agricultural operations.
Significant Cost Savings
Used IBC totes cost 50-70% less than new containers. For farms buying multiple containers, this can mean thousands of dollars in savings without sacrificing functionality.
Easy Handling & Transport
Forklift-compatible steel cage design allows easy movement around your property. Fits in truck beds, on trailers, and through standard doorways. Palletized base works with standard equipment.
Efficient Gravity Dispensing
Bottom-mounted valves provide gravity-fed dispensing without pumps for many applications. Connect directly to spray equipment, transfer pumps, or gravity-feed into smaller containers.
Durable Outdoor Construction
HDPE inner bottles resist UV damage and chemical degradation. Galvanized steel cages protect against impacts and handling damage. Built to last through years of farm use.
Large Bulk Capacity
Standard 275-330 gallon capacity means fewer refills and more efficient bulk purchasing. One IBC replaces five 55-gallon drums with easier handling and less waste.
Sustainable & Reusable
Extend the life of containers through reuse, reducing plastic waste. When containers reach end of life, we can recycle them responsibly, supporting sustainable farming practices.
Seasonal Container Guide
Plan your container needs around the agricultural calendar. Here's what most farms need throughout the year.
Spring
March - May
Key Activities
- Pre-plant fertilizer application
- Herbicide prep for planting
- Irrigation system startup
- Seed treatment mixing
- Soil amendment application
Container Tip
High demand for fertilizer and herbicide storage
Summer
June - August
Key Activities
- In-season fertilizer applications
- Insecticide and fungicide spraying
- Irrigation water storage
- Livestock water supplementation
- Foliar feeding programs
Container Tip
Water storage critical; continuous pest management
Fall
September - November
Key Activities
- Post-harvest soil amendments
- Fall fertilizer programs
- Cover crop establishment
- Equipment winterization
- Container cleaning and storage
Container Tip
Preparation for winter storage
Winter
December - February
Key Activities
- Container maintenance
- Planning and ordering
- Greenhouse operations
- Livestock feeding programs
- Equipment repair and prep
Container Tip
Indoor storage; greenhouse applications
Container Recommendations by Farm Type
Different types of agricultural operations have different container needs. Here's a general guide to help you plan.
| Farm Type | Typical Size | IBC Quantity | Primary Use | Recommended Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Row Crop Farms | 500+ acres typical | 10-50 IBCs | Fertilizer and herbicide storage for corn, soybeans, wheat | Grade C |
| Vegetable Operations | 10-200 acres | 5-20 IBCs | Fertigation, organic inputs, pest management | Grade B or New |
| Orchards & Vineyards | 20-500 acres | 10-30 IBCs | Foliar sprays, irrigation, frost protection | Grade A or B |
| Dairy Operations | Variable | 5-15 IBCs | Cleaning solutions, feed supplements, milk handling | Grade A (food-grade) |
| Cattle Ranches | 1000+ acres | 10-30 IBCs | Remote water, liquid supplements, pest control | Grade B or C |
| Greenhouse/Nursery | Under 50 acres | 3-15 IBCs | Fertigation systems, growing media mixes | Grade A or New |
These are general guidelines. Your specific needs may vary based on crops, practices, and operational scale.
Recommended for Agriculture
For most agricultural applications, we recommend our Grade B and Grade C containers, which offer excellent value while maintaining full functionality.
Grade B
Clean Industrial
Best for pesticides and chemicals requiring clean containers with documented history.
- Pesticide storage
- Herbicide mixing
- Fungicide applications
- Premium fertilizers
Grade C
Best Value
Great value for water, fertilizers, and general farm use where appearance isn't critical.
- Liquid fertilizer
- Irrigation water
- Farm fuel storage
- General liquids
New Totes
Food Grade
Required for organic certification, food-grade applications, or products requiring virgin containers.
- Organic inputs
- Food-grade storage
- Sensitive chemicals
- Dairy operations
Pro Tips for Farm Use
- Label every container clearly with contents, date filled, and mixing instructions
- Store fertilizers and pesticides separately to prevent accidental mixing
- Keep IBCs slightly elevated on pallets to prevent bottom valve damage
- Rinse containers immediately after emptying - dried residue is harder to clean
- Use dedicated containers for each product type when possible
- Check valves before filling season - replace worn gaskets
- Position containers in shade when storing temperature-sensitive products
- Keep caps and valves closed when not in use to prevent contamination
Safety Reminders
- Always read pesticide labels for specific container requirements
- Wear appropriate PPE when handling chemicals - even when just moving containers
- Never enter an IBC for cleaning - use long-handled tools
- Ensure adequate ventilation when working with volatile products
- Keep containers secured during transport to prevent spills
- Have spill response materials nearby when filling or dispensing
- Triple-rinse containers before changing product types
- Dispose of rinse water according to product label requirements
Farm & Agriculture Questions
Common questions from agricultural customers about IBC totes for farm use.
1What grade of IBC tote is best for storing liquid fertilizer?
For most liquid fertilizers like UAN solutions, Grade B or Grade C containers work well. These chemicals are not as sensitive to previous container contents as food products. Grade C offers the best value for general fertilizer storage, while Grade B is recommended if you need cleaner containers or are storing more concentrated products.
2Can I use IBC totes outdoors year-round?
Yes, IBC totes are designed for outdoor use. The HDPE bottles are UV-stabilized, and the galvanized steel cages resist corrosion. However, prolonged sun exposure will eventually degrade the plastic. For maximum lifespan, provide shade when possible and rotate stock so containers aren't sitting in direct sun for years. In freezing climates, ensure containers can accommodate liquid expansion or keep them empty during winter.
3How do I connect an IBC tote to my sprayer?
IBC totes have a 2" (DN50) butterfly valve or ball valve at the bottom. You can connect directly using a 2" camlock fitting, or use a reducer to connect to smaller hose sizes. For gravity feeding, place the IBC above your sprayer tank. For faster transfer, use a pump rated for the chemical being transferred. Always use chemical-resistant fittings and hoses appropriate for your application.
4Are IBC totes safe for storing pesticides?
Yes, when using appropriate containers. For registered pesticides, use containers that are clean and haven't held incompatible products. We recommend Grade B containers with documented previous contents for pesticide storage. Always follow the pesticide label's storage requirements. Some products require containers that have never held other materials - in those cases, purchase new IBCs.
5How many gallons does an IBC tote hold?
Standard agricultural IBC totes hold either 275 gallons (1,040 liters) or 330 gallons (1,250 liters). The 275-gallon size is most common and fits standard pallet dimensions. The 330-gallon versions are taller and provide 20% more capacity in the same footprint. Both sizes are easily handled by standard forklifts and pallet jacks.
6Can I store organic-approved inputs in used IBC totes?
For certified organic operations, check with your certifier about container requirements. Many organic certifiers accept clean, food-grade used containers (Grade A) that haven't held prohibited substances. For OMRI-listed products, the manufacturer's storage requirements take precedence. When in doubt, use new containers for organic inputs to ensure compliance.
7How should I clean an IBC tote between different products?
Cleaning depends on what the container held and what you'll store next. For general cleaning: 1) Drain completely via bottom valve, 2) Rinse with water several times, 3) For stubborn residues, use appropriate cleaning agents, 4) Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry. Never mix incompatible chemicals in the cleaning process. For critical applications, triple-rinse and document your cleaning procedure.
8What is the weight capacity of an IBC tote?
A 275-gallon IBC can hold approximately 2,200-2,400 lbs of product depending on liquid density. A 330-gallon IBC holds about 2,600-2,800 lbs. The containers themselves weigh 100-150 lbs empty. Standard forklifts can easily handle full IBCs. When stacking, only stack full containers (up to 2 high for 275 gal, or per manufacturer specs), and never stack partially filled containers.
9Do you offer bulk discounts for farms?
Yes! We offer volume pricing for agricultural customers. Purchases of 5+ containers receive discounted rates, with additional breaks at 10+, 25+, and 50+ units. We can also arrange regular delivery schedules for operations that use containers throughout the season. Contact us for a customized quote based on your expected annual needs.
10Can you deliver IBC totes to my farm?
We offer delivery throughout the Phoenix metro area and can arrange transport throughout Arizona and to neighboring states. Delivery fees depend on distance and quantity. For large orders, we can often include delivery at no additional charge. We can deliver to farm addresses, and our trucks can navigate most farm roads. Contact us to discuss your location and delivery needs.
Farm Volume Discounts
Save more when you buy more. Volume discounts starting at 5 containers.
Ready to Equip Your Farm?
Contact us for volume pricing on agricultural IBC totes. We offer delivery throughout the region and can help you find the right containers for your operation.