Last week we shared an article from Iowa State University on Flooding and Stored Grain, which included these key points:

• Flood damaged grain (defined as flood waters from rivers/streams) is adulterated grain because of the potential for many contaminants to enter through the water. This grain should be destroyed, never blended. Additional Flooded Grain Best Practices information can be found on Nebraska Grain and Feed Assocation's website.
• Flood Damaged Grain Hay Disposal, a resource from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, outlines options for disposing of flood-soaked grain, including land application, burning, or disposal in a lined landfill. Another option can be with composting livestock carcasses.
• There may be an opportunity to remove the good grain on top of the flooded grain either from the top or side, not down through the damaged grain. The reclaim conveyors and pits under bins contain flood water as well.
• When stored grain is flooded, the moisture won't travel more than a foot above the flood water line. Remove all the good grain before doing anything with the bad portion. Do not start aeration fans on flooded bins.
• Have the entire structure and related electrical components inspected by a qualified electrician, to verify that nothing is still energized, before taking action to salvage the grain.
• Safety includes being aware of signs of failure when working around bins containing wetted grain: sheered bolts, doors misaligned, bin separation from foundation, etc.
• Have a plan for where you're moving the grain you're removing from the bin. Elevators and ethanol plants in flooded areas may not be able to accept additional grain for a period of time.

A grain vacuum is a tool to remove grain from the top and sides of the bin while avoiding the flood-damaged grain in the bin. Growers have been calling regarding where to obtain grain vacuum services or buy/rent grain vacuums. A list of providers follows to save growers time in finding this information. There is now also a comprehensive list of service providers from Nebraska Grain and Feed Association at the following link: https://www.negfa.org/flooded-grain-lists.