Curated by Tom Dorn, former Nebraska Extension educator, this page features resources and extension publications on storing and managing grain effectively. Topics include grain quality preservation, aeration, pest management, and temporary storage solutions, as well as technical advice on drying, equipment preparation, and strategies to reduce costs and prevent losses — particularly in high-moisture conditions.
Grain Storage Resources
General Grain Quality and Storage Information
- MN - Post-Harvest Handling of Crops
- NDSU - Grain Drying and Storage
- Purdue - Harvesting, Drying and Storing Grain Sorghum
- Purdue - Drying of White Food Corn for Quality
- KSU - Search for Stored Grain in the KSU Bookstore
- KSU - Drying and Storing Sunflowers
- Nebraska - Blending Grains and Feedstuffs - How to figure the proper proportions
CropWatch Grain Storage Articles
- Managing Stored Drought-Stressed Corn in Early Spring
- Don't Neglect Stored Grain this Fall and Winter
- Grain Storage Management to Minimize Mold and Mycotoxins PowerPoint (PDF file) 10/04/12
- Drying Drought-Stressed Corn 8/31/12
- Managing Large Bins for Potential Mycotoxin Contamination
- Estimating the Tonnage in a Bunker Silo
- How to Estimate the Bushels in a Grain Bin
- Mid Winter to Spring Grain Storage Management
- Steps to Preparing Bins and Equipment for Harvest
- Spring Grain Drying Recommendations for Large Bins
- Managing Grain Drying in High Moisture Conditions
- Harvest Corn Now and Store Well to Avoid Losses from Stalk Rot
- Ensure Quality Grain Storage by Starting with Clean Equipment, Bins
- March Grain Storage Recommendations
- Managing Stored Grain in February
- Drying Times for Binned Soybeans Using Natural Air
- Drying Times for Binned Corn Using Heated Air
- Answers to your Grain Drying Questions
- Monitor Stored Grain Condition; Retain the Value of Your Crop
- Selecting the Right Aeration Fan for Your Bin
- Examining Options for Adding an Aeration Fan
- Planning for Temporary Grain Storage
- Clean Bins and Equipment Before Harvest To Maintain Grain Quality, Value
- Reduce Grain Depth to Save Time/Energy When Drying Grain
- Fill Drying Bins in Layers to Reduce Drying Time and Energy Cost
- How To Reduce Energy Cost For In-Bin Grain Drying
- How To Reduce Energy Costs When Using High Speed, High Capacity Dryers
Engineering Grain Storage and Aeration Systems
- Nebraska Extension - Management of In-Bin Natural Air Grain Drying Systems to Minimize Energy Cost Cost EC710
- MN - Post Harvest Handling of Crops - Great grain storage website
- MN - Web App: University of Minnesota Fan Selection for Grain Bins
- Purdue - Dryeration & Bin Cooling Systems For Grain
- Purdue - Fan Sizing and Application for Bin Drying/Cooling of Grain. Very complete discussion. Many useful tables and sound advice for engineering and selecting on-farm grain drying systems.
- NDSU - Fan Selection for Grain Drying and Storage Videos
- NDSU - Grain Drying and Storage Publications
Aeration Management
Stored Grain Pest Management
- MU - Insect Management Recommendations for On Farm Stored Grain
- UNL - Fumigating Farm-stored Grain with Aluminum Phosphide (EC2508)
- ISU - Indian Meal Moth
- MN - Stored Product Insects and Biological Control Agents
- Purdue - Stored Grain Insect Pest Management
- Purdue - Grain Storage Systems and Management
- KSU - Stored Grain Management Options
- KSU - Top 10 Grain Storage Management Tips
- Stored Grain Advisor (SGA)
- KSU - Stored Product Protection
- KSU - Stored Products Pest Control
- USDA - Electronic Monitoring System Counts Insects and Identifies Species
Nebraska Department of Ag - Registered Grain Bin Treatment Products
- Grain Bins (empty) (non-residual Contact Treatment)
- Grain Bins (empty) (non-residual Space Treatment)
- Grain Bins (empty) (non-residual Treatment)
- Grain Bins (feed/food-empty) (fumigation)
- Grain Bins (feed/food-empty) (residual General Treatment)
- Grain Bins (feed/food-Full) (residual General Treatment)
- Grain Bins (full) (non-residual Contact Treatment)
- Grain Bins (full) (non-residual Treatment)
- Grain Elevators (full) (fumigation)
Stored Grain Insect Images
Emergency/Temporary Grain Storage Considerations
Grain Bin Volume Calculator
This interactive tool is designed to estimate the volume of grain in a round bin. Users input the bin diameter and grain depth, and the tool calculates the volume in cubic feet and bushels.
