Grain Storage

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.

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Table of storage times for various tempratures of stored grain.

Consider Pros, Cons of Alternative Grain Storage Methods

September 5, 2018
Recommendations to help ensure quality grain storage, including tips for alternative facilities such as non-typical structures, piles, and bags and how to properly cool grain under various scenarios.

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Combine loading grain into a truck
Taking time now to prepare your harvest equipment and storage facilities can help ensure higher qualtiy stored grain in the long run.

Preparing for Harvest, Grain Storage

August 24, 2018
Proper cleanup of your grain bins and the surrounding site before harvest, coupled with good stored grain management, will put more income in your pocket and keep your equipment and facilities in better condition.

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Grain bins
Grain bins

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.

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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.

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

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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.

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Grain bins
The new "Grain Drying, Handling and Storage Handbook," published by Midwest Plan Service, is used widely for planning grain drying, handling and storage facilties.

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.

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