Grain Storage

Diligent Monitoring, Cool Temps Needed to Maintain Stored Grain Quality February 27, 2018

More heating occurs on the south wall of a grain bin on March 1 than during the middle of the summer. As outdoor temperatures fluctuate and eventually start to warm this spring, keeping stored grain cool and grain moisture in check is important to reduce potential losses. Here's how.

Corn & Soybean Stocks Up from Last Year January 12, 2018

Nebraska corn stocks in all positions on December 1, 2017 totaled 1.46 billion bushels, up 3% from 2016, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Of the total, 910 million bushels are stored on farms, up 5% from a year ago. Off-farm stocks, at 551 million bushels, are down slightly from last year.

Figure 1. Maintaining grain quality during extended storage requires extra care and management.

Long-term Grain Storage Requires Good Management October 13, 2017

Grain stocks in Nebraska, as well as the US, continue to increase. Maintaining these stocks to protect grain quality and value requires good storage practices to start with and continual monitoring to avoid damage from insects and disease. This guide addresses what to watch for and specific steps you can take to protect your stored grain.

Farm grain bins — Figure 1. The various sized bins on this farm allow for storing different moisture contents. Wetter, more dense grain works well in the smaller bins so that more airflow per bushel can be delivered. Drier grains where aeration is the primary need store well in the larger bins. If the grain is wetter, drying grain in layers can help increase airflow per bushel. (Photo by Paul Jasa)

Natural Air Drying of Binned Soybeans September 20, 2017

If soybeans were harvested above 13% moisture, natural air drying can be used to reduce moisture to 13% for longer term storage. How long that drying takes will vary with several factors. This guide can help you estimate the length of drying for your soybean moisture, aeration system, relative humidity and temperature.

Account for Automation, Safety With Grain Drying and Storage Systems August 10, 2017

Check out these safety tips for working with your stored grain and, if you're looking to add grain storage, consider a new resource from Midwest Plan Service that can help you plan for automation and other aspects of a new system.

Protecting Your Investment: Keep Stored Grain Cool, Dry June 30, 2017

A grain drying specialist offers moisture and temperature goals for stored grain and tips to ensure your stored grain stays in good condition. Includes how to measure grain temperature and when and how to aerate grain as well as how long grain can be stored at various temperatures.

Post-Harvest Grain Marketing: Cleaning Out Corn and Soybean Bins April 12, 2017

Marketing grain in the bin can take a backseat to field work this time of year; however, given the current market, those with grain in storage need to be vigilant to changes in futures price, adjustments in basis, and accumulating storage expenses. Examples of stored corn and soybean at two Nebraska sites illustrate how storage costs can add up over time.

Reducing Costs With High-Speed, High-Capacity Dryers March 29, 2017

Article reviewed and updated by Chuck Burr, Nebraska Extension Educator