Kairi Maize Silos

This cluster of concrete silos is the last reminder of the once vast maize industry on the Atherton Tablelands. The Chinese initiated the maize industry which was used for stock feed for the mining communities here and west to Irvinebank. The Kairi State Farm was established in 1912 to experiment in growing different strains of maize. Chinese farmers were displaced following the establishment of the post-WWI soldier settlement here. The soldier settlement scheme was not entirely successful and the wet and humid climate led to fungal and bacterial conditions when farmers stored grain in their barns. The Atherton Tableland Maize Board was formed in the early-1920s, and silos were built to allow for optimum storage of product, ensuring the best price for farmers. The silos were built by British engineer C P Kinninmonth using a revolutionary method known as slip-form concreting. Originally, silos were built at Tolga and Atherton as well. They were equipped with elevators, cleaning plant and driers by a Sydney firm; Henry Simon Ltd. The £7000 silos were opened in November 1924. By 1936 a new management company, Athamaize formed and the silos remained in use until the company’s closure in 2002.