A year that began wet for many has ended even soggier and has raised grain moisture levels.
Heating and deterioration of damp grain in storage is causing producers to resurrect grain dryers that haven’t turned a bushel in years.
Saskatchewan government agrologists recommend farmers check the accuracy of their dryer’s air temperature gauges. Damaged or worn instruments can provide misleading temperatures resulting in slow drying or worse, overheating of grain.
Elevating temperatures beyond recommended maximums may improve drying times but can damage grain quality or cause a fire.
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If producers aren’t sure if dryers are damaging grain, they should send a sample of the first batch dried to the Canadian Grain Commission for evaluation.
“Making sure the grain is moving well inside the dryer will help avoid hot spots and overheated grain,” said Wally Vanin, an agrologist from Canora, in eastern Saskatchewan.
Vanin said 60 percent of the harvest in his area requires drying, with as much as 20 percent still in the fields. Damp grain harvested during colder weather is more stable than that taken off at warmer but similar moisture levels. Keeping it cool will be the secret to successful storage.
“Twenty to 23 percent (moisture level) cereals and 12 to 14 percent in flax and oilseeds can safely be stored for up to 20 days. Cold temperatures can even improve that time,” said Vanin.
Smaller is better
The Saskatchewan agriculture department recommends storing damp grain in smaller bins so temperatures fall faster, or using drying fans at night to bring grain temperatures below zero. Whatever strategy is used, the producer is advised to inspect the bins at least twice a week and to turn questionable grain using augers during cold temperatures.
“Thermometers on probes, electronic temperature measuring, steel rods that can be kept in grain and removed to check for heating – farmers have many ways of monitoring their bins,” said Vanin.
