Tips from Tom: Spring Grain Management
With the rising temperatures in the spring, stored grain can deteriorate quickly if not kept within 10 to 15 degrees of the ambient air temperature outside the bin. Cold grain will collect moisture from the warmer air just as moisture forms on the glass of a cold beverage. This moisture aids in mold growth. To prevent any deterioration, I suggest these simple Spring grain management tips.
If you haven’t already, turn on the fans to aerate and warm the stored grain. If the bin is equipped with a stirring machine, once again, turn it on. This will also help air flow, break up chunks and mix fines. Depending on the size of the bin and bushels stored, fans may need to run for several days with low humidity to thoroughly warm up the grain throughout the bin.
To check if the grain has warmed up, open the roof hatch place one hand slightly inside the bin and the other outside the bin (with fans running). The palms of your hands should feel roughly the same temperature.
For any questions on grain handling equipment or Spring grain management give Tom a call.