December 30, 2013

1 Min Read

After variable crop conditions and delayed harvest, it’s important to remember to monitor stored grain this winter. Bin checks should be done every two weeks, say DuPont Pioneer experts. This will allow the chance to catch problems before spoilage occurs.

John Gnadke, harvest management and grain quality consultant, DuPont Pioneer, offers tips for grain storage this winter, including:

  • Check the grains once a week, then switch to a bi-weekly check. Do not go longer than two weeks in checking the stored grain.

  • Physically look in the bin. Start the fans, and if the air is humid, the grain could be in a cold sweat. If it’s caught early, fans can be run to avoid spoilage.

  • Check grain temperature and moisture. “In-bin” electronic probes, which are becoming more common, allow growers to monitor these properties continuously. But make sure to check yourself, and not take the human condition out of the equation.

  • Each bushel of corn at 15% moisture contains 1 gallon of water. As you increase the volume of grain in a large bin, you increase the volatility of management.

  • Make sure the building exterior is well-drained, weather-tight, rodent-proof and not physically damaged by the forces of the grain. 

  • If you detect any problems, correct them immediately. If necessary move the grain to a different storage facility.

 

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Listen to more tips from Gnadke about grain storage.

 

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