It is often noticed that most of the farmers store their grains in the bin without watching the moisture content and temperature. In fact, many times the farmers store the grain at a temperature that is higher than the optimum levels that must be maintained. This generally happens when the crop matures late or when the in-field drying is not done much. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the temperature of the grain when storing to avoid loss of harvested yield with the help of various farming equipment such as the Grain Temp Guard Alarm System.
What are the ideal moisture content and temperature of the grains that should be maintained when storing them in the bin?
Ideally, the moisture content of the corn should be 15% and for soybeans, it must be 13%. The right temperature for the grains when storing should be between 35 degrees and 40 degrees. Otherwise, there are chances of developing mold/ fungus, the infestation of the insects, and pests. Moreover, a defense mechanism system should be maintained in the bin when storing the grains after harvesting.
In order to maintain the temperature and the humidity levels as per the prescribed standards, it is necessary that the harvest yield should be areated. The grains must be cooled down before entering them into the bin. Aeration is necessary as much as possible during the winter season. Especially in the winter season. This is because, even when the grains are cooled down and stored, they tend to get warm inside in bins during the winter season because of the solar heating present on the roof and the walls that are facing southward.
How to aerate the grains during winter?
It is crucial to note that time is essential for aerating the bin fully. Aeration is required to cool the grains and maintain the ideal temperature levels. To check out the temperature, Grain Temp Guard devices like probes, alarm system’s and EndZone Fan Controls are highly useful and effective. The aeration of the grains can be done weekly.
Following are the tips to aerate the stored grains effectively.
When using Small Fans
Again, it totally depends on the size of the fan for deciding the time of aeration and airflow. A small aeration fan with 0.1 cfm/ bushel will require at least a week to cool the grains fully such as corn. Operating the fan too long will help in preventing uneven gain temperature.
Identify the presence of mold by smelling
Before the grains enter the bin, ensure that the grains are free from crusting, damp spots, and warn spots. Also, when aerating, smell the first flush when the air is exhausted after the fans are turned ON. The presence of any Off-smelling odors signifies the presence of mold/ fungus in the grain, it will be kind of musty or sour.
Using large fans for huge quantities of grain
If you are using large drying fans then the aeration will be done within minutes initially. The first flush of air will exit the grain within a span of few seconds when using large fans. Large fans are effective to aerate large bushels of stored grains. If grains are spotted with unfavorable and deteriorating conditions, then immediately remove them from the healthy grains. The grains should be dried before the season of spring seeps in.
Low Test Weight of the grains
If the grains like corns have a low test weight or low quality, then they will generally have a shorter storage life as compared to the grains that have high quality. Corn that has a test weight less than 53 lbs/ bushel will have only half of the effective storage life as compared to the corn that has 56 lbs/ bushel as the test weight. Therefore, the grains with low test weight should not be stored for longer than half of the storage period limit. This will reduce the risk of losing the harvested yield as well as the quality of the grains.
Using Grain Temp Guard alarm probes and EndZone Fan Controls
To regularly check the temperature of the stored grains, Grain Temp Guard Alarm Probes (DT and HT) are highly effective as they can be placed at various spots in the bin. They can identify the temperature of the grains and the same is displayed on the Grain Temp Guard Alarm System (DT and HT). As per the requirements of the temperature, EndZone Fan controls can be used to aerate the grains between two set parameters of low and high-temperature levels. They automatically turn on and off the running of the fan.
Aeration is an essential part of the storage system of grains in the bin. Any discrepancy in the ideal temperature or the moisture content is going to affect the quality of grains. Therefore, using effective farming equipment and techniques can prevent losses.
