With up to 100 millimetres of rain falling on parts of Manitoba last weekend, many producers may need a grain dryer that’s in good working order this fall.
Ian Wishart, president of the Keystone Agricultural Producers, is telling Manitoba grain growers to check their dryer before the harvest rush.
“Farmers who have new or recently altered dryers should arrange for their units to be connected and checked by their gas fitter, prior to using them later this fall,” Wishart said in a statement.
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The vigilance is necessary because inspectors with Manitoba Labour and Immigration, the agency that oversees grain dryer hookups in the province, are now enforcing regulations regarding solenoid valves on the dryers, he said.
The solenoid valves must be rated for 250 psi. If they are less, dealers in Manitoba won’t sell propane to farmers.
“… With the new regulation, if they’re not up to grade or up to standard, the dealers aren’t supposed to supply it with propane…. I’ve been told by the inspectors that there’s quite a few dryers out there that might be in this category.”
The valve problem isn’t limited to older dryers. Last winter, Perry Sytnyk of Shoal Lake, Man., purchased a new Brock Superb grain dryer. When he attempted to install his dryer, a provincial inspector wouldn’t permit the gas hookup because the solenoid valves were rated at 150 psi.
“I got it (the dryer) in my yard Dec. 20 and I’ve been trying to get it hooked up and running ever since,” he toldThe Western Producerin the middle of February.
Sytnyk was able to use his dryer, after a new and higher pressure solenoid valve was installed.
Wishart said Manitoba producers should call their propane dealer.
“If you’re thinking about using your dryer, get it looked at earlier to make sure that when the time comes, you can actually get propane for it.”
