With harvest over and late fall chores piling up, producers may be tempted to turn a blind eye to stored crop.
However, higher than average temperatures and an extended harvest have put the crop at risk.
Blaine Timlick of the Canadian Grain Commission said even if grain is classified as very dry going into the bin, condensation will always be a problem unless it is fully cooled.
Where there is moisture, he added, there is fungal and insect activity.
Matt Stanford of the Canola Council of Canada said council agronomists are receiving reports of heated canola even though it went into the bins dry.
He advised producers to check every bin in coming weeks for crop condition.
If moisture pockets appear and long-term storage is anticipated, Stanford recommended turning at least one-third of the crop, turning on the fans and reducing moisture to eight percent.
Cereals should be held below 14.5 percent moisture.
Grain insect pests don’t feed or reproduce below 15 C, so ensuring the stored grain is cool will keep insect damage to a minimum.
