Reports in southwestern Manitoba that producers are losing binned canola because of heating serves as a reminder that vigilance is needed even in a good year.
The province’s canola crop came off in good condition due to a mild, dry fall, which alleviated the risk of heating caused by high green seed counts or frost-damaged seed.
However, the warm harvest weather meant another risk to stored canola.
“Most grain was coming in dry, but at very hot temperatures,” said Rob Park, a Manitoba Agriculture oilseeds specialist.
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Aeration in the bin is an obvious way to prevent hot spots. Producers who don’t have aeration can auger their canola into a truck and then back into the bin, allowing the crop to cool naturally. Park said this process should be done once a month during the winter if the canola is going to remain in the bin that long.
“Some people say that’s extra work, but that’s a lot of money sitting in those bins.”
The stored canola should be monitored regularly for signs of heating. The arrival of winter and cold temperatures will not remove the risk, Park said.
A variety of temperature sensors on the market can give producers readings from throughout the bin. Some systems will link those sensors with a home computer, making monitoring more convenient.
Park said hot canola is not a widespread problem. While producers should be vigilant against the risk, there is no need for alarm.
“It’s an intuitive thing for most growers. If they’re going to be handling product long term, they need to be doing those kinds of things or be aware that bad things can happen.”
