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Check Stored Grain
Late fall is a good time to check grain storage. Insects are active at temperatures above about 50 degrees. If the grain was not cooled by aeration, temperatures conducive to insect activity may still exist in bins of grain. Temperature variations in stored grain can lead to moisture migration resulting in wet grain near the top of the grain mass. Also storability is greatly affected by grain temperature. A ten degree temperature decrease doubles the expected allowable storage time of grain.
Look for indications of storage problems. Smell the grain for a musty odor. Check for indications of moisture such as crusting of the top grain or condensation on the bin roof. Look for insects. It may be necessary to warm the sample and view it on a white surface to observe insect activity. Check the grain temperature and moisture content. Probe several locations to ensure that all the grain has been cooled to between 25 to 30 degrees for winter storage. Measure grain moisture content in several locations. If the grain is wet, keep it cold with aeration and make plans to dry it before temperatures warm in the spring.
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