We've been experiencing a very mild fall ... even bordering on hot at times. That allows for some good long harvest days ... and a relatively easy harvest.  That warm temperature can be a double edged sword, with crops being binned hot and creating an ideal environment for insect infestations and spoilage - even if the seed tested dry.  This issue is exacerbated by the presence of green and/or immature kernels because of the challenging weather conditions that farmers had to contend with this spring.  It's important to properly condition (aerate and cool) these products to ensure that your investment is protected!

Here are some general "rules" of properly managing an aeration system - with thanks to the GEAPS (Grain Elevator and Processing Society) website:

Rule # 1.  Keep stored grain as uniform as possible - temperature, quality, and moisture.  The odds of successful grain storage will increase with a uniform grain temperature, moisture content, cleanliness etc. 

Rule # 2.  Try to run the aeration fans when the outside ambient temperature is within 15° F of the grain temperature. Condensation potential inside the bin increases exponentially when the grain ambient air temperature differential exceeds 15°. The easiest way to avoid condensation inside of the bin is to not run the fans when the temperature differential exceeds the 15 degree window. This may require some planning and good management but it will prevent multiple storage problems.

Rule # 3.  When you start an aeration front- finish the aeration front. Moving air causes an aeration front to be started from the bottom up with a positive aeration system and from the top down in a negative system.  If the fans are stopped and then restarted - the aeration process starts over as well.  Uneven temperatures in a bin significantly increase the potential for grain spoilage, moisture migration and crusting.  Significant temperature differential fronts may even cause crusting in the middle of the grain mass that will prohibit future aeration from moving thru the crusted area.

If you are storing these products in bins that do not have an aeration system, then you will have to closely monitor and periodically turn the product in the bin by moving it into another storage bin.  Remember that when you empty a bin you are typically removing the center core of the product first - especially a hopper bottom bin ... and that is where the heaviest crop material is (and where hot spots tend to form). Make sure that you monitor your entire bin.  

If a bin "gets away" on you and there is damage, all is not necessarily lost.  Give Shawn or Clement a call at 1-204-526-2145, or e-mail them at sales@zeghersseed.com for marketing options for all your non-board grains - in, or out of, condition.

 

PS: **** I forgot to mention an important part of this process!!  PLEASE remember to record/document (write down on a log book) when you start up and shut down your aeration systems ... or when you turn/transfer product into other bins.  One of the basic rules of an effective quality management is "if it isn't written down or recorded, then it didn't happen."