Extension Communications |
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9-21-98 Contacts: TEMPORARY GRAIN STORAGE OPTIONS FOR FARMERS AMES, Iowa--Low market prices, high yields, an early harvest and a hot beginning to September are working against Iowa farmers this year, says an Iowa State University grain expert. "About the only thing farmers have going for them is the good quality of this year's crop because it's field-dried," says Charles Hurburgh, director of ISU's Grain Quality Lab. "The biggest problem will be getting the grain cooled down once it's out of the field." Temporary grain storage, which is likely this year, is best suited for cooler weather. The rate at which fungi grows in corn doubles for every 10-15¡ F increase in temperature, Hurburgh says. For example, corn harvested on an 80-degree day and not properly cooled before it's stored will spoil twice as quickly as corn harvested on a 65-degree day, even at the same moisture content. In past years, corn has been placed in temporary emergency storage near the end of October, when daytime temperatures might reach 45¡ F. Under these conditions, Hurburgh explained, farmers only need to make sure the temporary storage area is adequate and that the grain has a maximum moisture content of around 15-18 percent. In hot weather, however, the grain also must be kept cool. Hurburgh warns against outdoor temporary grain storage on farms, although elevators will be piling grain as supplies build up during harvest. "Large piles can be managed, especially if the elevator has properly cleaned the grain before it's piled," he said. "But farmers have a more difficult time cleaning the grain, and the smaller the outdoor pile the greater the potential loss because a larger surface area is exposed to the weather." He suggests indoor temporary storage, such as a grain pile inside a machine shed or warehouse. The surface must be flat with either a cement floor or 4- to 6-mil plastic vapor barrier to prevent soil moisture from moving into the grain. Grain should not be piled against a wall unless the wall has been reinforced. Most machine sheds are not designed for any load of corn on the side walls, but grain kits or freestanding bulkheads can be used. All stored grain must be aerated to keep it at a uniform temperature, Hurburgh adds. "Don't even think about temporary storage without aeration, even for a few days because days turn into weeks and weeks turn into problems," he said. Hurburgh said silos or corn cribs also can be used as temporary grain storage with some modifications. Unless they've already been converted, the cost probably cannot be justified with this year's low market prices, he said. For more information about temporary storage options, contact your county ISU Extension office or field extension agricultural engineer. ENGINEERING FIELD SPECIALISTS: 9/21/98 - lm |
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