AGRO SOLUTIONS: Tips for long-term grain storage

To most effectively market your grain, you may need to store it into summer and possibly into the next year. To do so, you’re going to need to store it properly.

Prepare grain bins

The first step for quality grain is to make sure your storage facilities are prepared for the grain going in. Clean out your bins and get rid of any grain left that might have insects in it. Also, check under floor areas. “These can be a real nice spot for insects to go from one season to the next,” advises Ken Hellevang, North Dakota State University Extension engineer.

Store quality grain

The condition of the corn as you harvest it is going to determine how well it’s going to store. “If you are thinking long-term storage, you are best to start out with mature, good-quality corn,” says Hellevang.

Dry to the right moisture content

“You cannot beat the physical laws of storing corn, which say 15 percent moisture if you store until June 1, 14 percent through next harvest, and 13 percent to store for a year or longer,” he says. At 13 percent moisture, mold growth is prevented, keeping grain in better condition.

For soybeans, you will need to dry down a little bit more. “13 percent is what is typically done for storage in cooler months,” says Hellevang. “If you are going into summer temperatures, the moisture content of soybeans should really be closer to 11 percent.”

Control the temperature

The ability to control the temperature of grain during storage is critical, says Hellevang. You should be putting grain into a storage system that has a good aeration system so you can control the grain temperature.

Check grain frequently

The long-recommended practice is to check your grain weekly during the summer. When you check the grain, collect a sample to determine the moisture content.

Watch for insects

Another reason to check grain frequently during the summer is to watch for insects.

“In warmer temperatures, you can go from one or two insects to a major infestation in a period of two to three weeks.

Woodruff also recommends insect traps. “If you are keeping grain into the late summer, you’re probably better off putting in insect traps to see if there are any present.

Source: Successful Farming