The 2023 growing season was challenging for many farmers due to weather-related delays. As a result, the crop maturity within a given field will likely vary widely. This will make it difficult for farmers to harvest and store their grain at the optimal time.
One of the most important factors to consider when storing grain is the moisture content. The higher the moisture content, the more likely the grain is to spoil. The recommended moisture content for different storage periods is as follows:
• Up to 6 months: 15% for corn and 13% for soybeans
• 6 months to 1 year: 13% for corn and 11% for soybeans
• Over 1 year: 11% for corn and 9% for soybeans
If the moisture content of the grain is too high, it can be dried using a variety of methods, including natural air drying, low temperature drying, and high temperature drying.
Natural air drying is the most common method and involves circulating air through the grain to evaporate the moisture. This method is slow, but it is also gentle and does not damage the grain.
Low temperature drying is a faster method that uses heated air to evaporate the moisture. This method can be used to dry grain more quickly, but it can also damage the grain if the temperature is too high.
High temperature drying is the fastest method and uses very hot air to evaporate the moisture. This method is the most effective way to dry grain quickly, but it can also damage the grain the most.
In addition to drying the grain, it is also important to cool it down after drying. This can be done by circulating air through the grain or by using aeration fans. Aeration fans help to circulate air through the grain and remove the heat.
Finally, it is important to core the grain bin regularly. This helps to prevent the accumulation of fines and broken grain at the center of the bin, which can lead to spoilage.
By following these tips, farmers can ensure that their grain is stored safely and prevent spoilage.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-wwing
Categories: Michigan, Crops