NDSU Extension Provides Essential Tips for Summer Grain Storage

With the arrival of summer temperatures, it is crucial to take precautions to maintain grain quality and prevent storage issues such as insect infestations and mold growth.

To mitigate these risks, ventilating the top of the grain bin is recommended to eliminate solar heat gain, which can warm the grain and create conditions conducive to mold growth and insect infestations. Installing air inlets near the bin roof eave and an outlet near the peak will facilitate the removal of hot air. Alternatively, a ventilation fan can be utilized to exhaust the accumulated heat. However, it is important to ensure that there are adequate air inlets for the fan to function effectively.

Running grain aeration fans periodically is also advised to keep the grain temperature as cool as possible. Taking advantage of the cooler early morning temperatures every three weeks, the aeration fan should be operated for a few hours to cool the grain near the top of the bin. This practice helps prevent heating of the grain at the bottom of the bin.

Maintaining grain moisture content within appropriate levels is crucial for safe storage during the summer. Recommended maximum moisture contents for warm-season storage are as follows: 13% to 14% for corn, 11% to 12% for soybeans, 13.5% for wheat, 12% for barley, and 7% to 8% for oil sunflowers. Exceeding these moisture limits can lead to mold growth.

Regular monitoring of stored grain is vital to promptly identify any storage problems. Checking the grain every two weeks allows for the detection of rising grain temperatures, which may indicate insect or mold issues. Measuring and recording grain temperature and moisture content during these inspections is essential.

To ensure safety, it is important for everyone working around stored grain, including family members and employees, to understand the hazards and follow proper safety procedures. Never enter a bin while unloading grain or attempting to break up a grain bridge or chunks that may impede grain flow. Using "lock-out/tag-out" procedures is crucial to prevent equipment from starting while working inside the bin.

By following these guidelines, grain storage quality can be maintained, and potential hazards can be mitigated during the summer months.