Cool Stored Grain
Now that winter temperatures are here, it is time to manage grain temperatures for winter storage. You can control mold activity and the air currents that can cause moisture migration by cooling stored grain to 30-40 degrees for winter storage in Iowa. Check the grain temperature with a probe thermometer, or turn on aeration fans and measure the temperature of the air leaving the grain. Run the aeration fans when the average outdoor temperature is around 35 degrees. A large drying fan may cool the bin in half a day. A small aeration fan may require approximately a week. Run the fan continuously until the cooling front moves completely through the grain. Once the grain is cooled, check it weekly for evidence of temperature rise or moldy smell. For more details, order a copy of “Managing Dry Grain in Storage” AED-20 from Midwest Plan Service at http://www.mwps.org or check out more post-harvest grain information at http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/cropsystems/DC1327.html
Cool Stored Grain Now
Cool stored grain to 30-40 degrees for safe winter storage. Call your Extension Ag Engineer for details or visit http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/cropsystems/DC1327.html
S. Shouse; V. White
1/10/2008