Stored Grain Management Tips
A total grain management plan will help protect grain quality until it is marketed. Without adequate protection, stored grain quality can deteriorate quickly, resulting in reduced grain weight and lower nutrient levels. This unnecessary damage eats into profits through discounted market prices or even grain rejection.
Agriliance offers a complete line of cost-effective grain protection products that work in conjunction with sound cultural practices to prevent insect damage from taking a big bite out of grain profits.
Management Tips
- Start with clean bins. At least three weeks before harvest, thoroughly clean in, around and under bins and equipment to remove old grain and fines (broken kernels and dust) where insect infestations are likely. Control weeds around the area and spray an insecticide inside, under and around the storage bin to control any existing insect infestations.
- Add grain protectant. When grain will be stored for several months or longer, apply an insecticide grain protectant such as Actellic® 5E, Dryacide® or Malathion 6% as grain is added to the bin.
- Remove fines and level bin. Fines, weed seeds and foreign material tend to concentrate in the center of the storage bin where they attract insects and molds. Fines are more prone to problems because they are wetter and harder to ventilate than clean grain. Removing a load of grain from the center of the bin helps eliminate fine problems and levels the top of the grain.
- Add surface protectant. Top-dress insecticide treatments over the surface of the grain to protect against reinfestation. After the grain has been leveled, work a top-dressing such as Actellic 5E, Dryacide or Malathion 6% into the top four to six inches of the surface grain.
- Monitor moisture and temperature levels. Bins with fans and adequate ventilation systems will help keep grain dry and cool, reducing mold and insect problems. Check moisture and temperature levels regularly — every two weeks during the spring and fall, when outside temperatures fluctuate — to maintain proper conditions.
- Fumigate when necessary. If an infestation does occur, the grain should be fumigated by a certified applicator.
