Ken Hellevang - North Dakota State University Extension Agricultural Engineer

Dr. Ken Hellevang, retired North Dakota State University Extension agricultural engineer and professor emeritus, regularly shared grain storage information with CropWatch throughout his 44 years at NDSU. For more information about his work and publications, please visit the NDSU Grain Drying and Storage website.

Grain silos — Conditioning of soybeans occurs the fastest when the airflow rate is high and the air is warm and humid.

Considerations When Conditioning Too-dry Soybeans

October 27, 2022

Insights on the process of conditioning low-moisture soybeans while avoiding damage to grain bins, with respect to cost-effectiveness.

Cooling Low-moisture Corn in Bins

October 25, 2022

With a higher prevalence of low-moisture corn this harvest season due to drought, Nebraska Extension shares recommendations on how to avoid additional moisture loss while cooling the grain.

grain bin — Stored grain should be monitored closely to detect any storage problems early. (photo courtesy of NDSU)

Proper Spring Grain Drying and Storage Critical

April 7, 2020

As outdoor temperatures increase, stored grain requires attention to prevent losses, says Ken Hellevang, North Dakota State University Extension agricultural engineer and grain drying expert.

Combine dumping harvested soybeans in a truck

Soybean Drying, Storage Could Be Challenging

October 16, 2019

A challenging soybean harvest this fall is raising many storage and drying issues, including the potential for increased shatter losses, moisture variation, and storage losses. See these recommended drying times and temperatures for safer storage.

Drying and Storing Expected High-moisture Corn

October 10, 2019

The corn season started late in many areas and is likely to end early with this weekend's lows. How much dry down can you expect to occur in the field and what are the risks of waiting? These recommendations and an online corn dry down calculator from ISU may help with decision-making.

Proper Spring Grain Drying and Storage is Critical

March 14, 2019

The stored grain temperature increases in the spring not only due to an increase in outdoor temperatures, but also due to solar heat gain on the bin. Ken Hellevang, North Dakota State University Extension grain drying expert, outlines steps to maintain stored grain quality this spring.

Saturated crop field with standing water in southeast Nebraska — Figure 1. High moisture conditions are leading to high moisture soybeans, complicating drying and storage efforts. (Photos by Laura Thompson)

NDSU Offers Advice on Drying Soybeans

October 12, 2018

Recent wet, rainy conditions are creating challenges for soybean producers wanting to dry and store this year's crop. NDSU Engineer Ken Hellevang offers advice for these conditions.

Table of allowable storage times for soybeans at various temperatures

Better Soybean Storage Starts With Good Harvest Moisture

September 5, 2018

Storing soybeans at about 13% moisture can reduce mechanical damage and provide for a longer and higher quality storage. Here are some things to consider when storing soybeans.