Maintaining Grain Quality During Storage
JOE BUNCK
LUBBOCK, TEXAS
As grain begins moving from the field to the bin, farmers can breathe a sigh of relief after a job well done. But a very important step remains: maintaining grain quality.
Corn stored at 19 percent moisture content and a starting temperature of 75 degrees F can lose a market grade in approximately five days if grain begins to heat up.
To avoid storage quality issues, grain should be dried to the appropriate moisture. Corn in storage less than six months can be held at 15.5 percent moisture. For storage from six months to a year, a 14 percent moisture level is suggested. If the grain storage time will exceed one year, a 13 percent maximum moisture content is likely safe for storage.
As temperatures fluctuate in the fall and spring, a good best practice is to check storage bins weekly to maintain grain quality. When temperatures stabilize with winter weather, grain quality checks can shift to intervals of two-three weeks. Many modern grain handling systems have temperature cables to help monitor grain conditions. Some are connected to be able to monitor remotely which can significantly improve the odds of catching a small condition problem before it causes large damage.
Keep an eye on the surface conditions, temperatures and grain condition, and be mindful of different smells, both in the grain and exhaust air. Grain that is crusting, wet or slimy, accumulation of ice or frost, and/or heating are all signs of poor conditions and spoilage. Condensation or frost appearing on cold days on the underside of the bin roof, hatches and vents almost always indicates a moisture migration problem. If crusting occurs, stir the grain surface to break up the crust, or if severe, remove the spoiled grain. Be sure to watch for insect activity during the regular observations.
Finally, always be aware of safety precautions around grain bins and grain handling equipment. Grain bins should never be entered when grain is flowing and never without proper safety equipment. Anyone who enters a bin should always be watched by another person in case of an emergency. Establish safety precautions and emergency plans and train all workers and bystanders on the farm.
Check out Channel.com/AgronomyLibrary or contact your local Channel Seedsman for additional information about grain storage. ∆
JOE BUNCK: Channel Agronomist