Dr. Kenneth Hellevang, Extension Engineer and Professor at North Dakota State University gave us a checklist on the best practices you should follow when it comes time to storing and drying your grain. Print this list and put it on your fridge and check it off as you go.
- Monitor
- Temperature
- Moisture
- Insects
- Mold
- Carbon dioxide
- Check grain frequently to detect any storage problems early
- Every two weeks until cooled
- Every two to three weeks during winter
- Every two weeks during spring and summer
- Manage: aerate and dry
- Temperature
- Moisture
- Use sensors and fan controllers but remember that technology does not replace management
- Maintain recommended long-term storage moisture content (8% for canola and 7-8% for sunflower oil)
- Remember to verify that the moisture content measured by the meter has been adjusted for grain temperature. In addition, remember that moisture measurements of grain at temperatures below about 40°F may not be accurate. Verify the accuracy of the measurement by warming the grain sample to room temperature in a sealed plastic bag before measuring the moisture content
- Cover the fan when it is not operating to prevent warm air from blowing into the bin and heating the stored grain and also keeps snow and pests out.
- Check vents – ventilate the top of the bin to remove the solar heat gain that warms the grain. Provide air inlets near the eaves and exhausts near the peak or use a roof exhaust fan. Bin vents can become blocked with frost and ice when the fan is operated at temperatures near or below freezing, which may lead to damage to the roof. Leave the fill and access door open as a pressure relief valve when operating the fan at temperatures near or below freezing.
- Turn fans off during snow/rain/fog
- Watch for mold
- One of the most important best practices you can follow when storing and drying grain is to follow recommended safety practices. Safety — Grain Drying and Storage (ndsu.edu)
