ISU Extension News

Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915

9-21-98

Contacts:
Charles Hurburgh, ISU Grain Quality Lab, (515) 294-4600
Elaine Edwards, ISU Extension Communication Systems, (515) 294- 5168
Extension Engineering Field Specialists (see list below)

MONITORING KEY TO TEMPORARY GRAIN STORAGE

AMES, Iowa--Farmers who plan to store grain in machine sheds or pole buildings in hopes of getting higher prices later should take the necessary precautions now, says an Iowa State University grain expert.

"Don't even think about temporary storage without aeration," says Charles Hurburgh from ISU's Grain Quality Lab. "Temporary storage is not noted for its ability to maintain uniform grain temperature so it must be aerated to keep hot spots from forming and the grain to lose quality."

Hurburgh said in-floor ducts are most convenient but above-floor ducts are usually adequate. Duct spacing should approximately equal grain depth. Fans should be used that can deliver at least 0.2 cubic feet of air per minute (cfm) per bushel of grain. The recommended aeration rate is higher for piled grain in flat storage than bin storage to account for varying conditions. In general terms, such a system requires one-horsepower of fan capacity for every 5,000 bushels of grain in the temporary storage area.

Aeration for flat storage is intended only for temperature control, and not grain drying, Hurburgh added. For short-term storage, corn should be about 15 to 18 percent moisture and at the proper temperature. Corn harvested on an 80-degree day should be cooled before it is stored. Expect to remove 1 to 2 percent of the moisture during the cool-down aeration if grain starts out at 80¡ F, Hurburgh added.

The key to proper storage, however, is a weekly check for grain moisture and temperature.

"Your basic tool kit should include a moisture meter and grain thermometer attached to a 6-ft. metal rod and available at most farm supply stores," Hurburgh said. "Grain needs to be checked every week, especially if moisture is more than 15 percent, and treated as soon as problem spots occur."

He also suggested a screw-in aerator, available for around $100 at farm supply stores. The device consists of a 6-ft.-long 4-inch perforated metal tube with an attachable small fan that can be used to draw air through trouble spots as they develop. "It could be the best $100 you spend if you find a hot spot," he added. "Once problems develop, they can get out of hand quickly."

Farmers also must consider other factors when deciding on temporary storage such as the structure of the building and how easily they can get the grain in and out of the area. Grain put into temporary storage must be clean.

For more information about temporary grain storage, how to monitor for moisture or temperature, or other concerns, contact your county ISU Extension office, or field extension agricultural engineer.

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ENGINEERING FIELD SPECIALISTS:
Greg Brenneman, Johnson County, (319) 337-2145
Kris Kohl, Buena Vista County, (712) 732-5056
Dan Meyer, Fayette County, (319) 425-3331
Shawn Shouse, Wallace Center (Lewis), (712) 769-2600
Brad Woerner, Mahaska County, (515) 673-5841

9/21/98 - lm
ml: isufarm


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