Management of On-Farm Stored Grain

Roger Brook, Ph.D., P.E.Agricultural Engineering DepartmentMichigan State University

Bringing Knowledge to Life

Grain Storage Problems

Moisture and air movement Molds and similar pathogens Insects and similar

arthropods Rodents

Equilibrium Moisture Content

Microbial Growth

Minimizing Storage Risk

Grain Storage Management

Prepare your Storage Prepare your Grain Manage Grain Temperature Regular Inspection

Prepare yourStorage

Prepare Your GrainRecommended Moisture

Prepare Your GrainPrevent / Remove Broken

Kernels

Check combine adjustment to minimize grain breakage

Review dryer operation to reduce stress cracks

Remove broken kernels

Center Fill to Help Remove Fines

Manage Grain Temperature

Cool rapidly, as temperatures allow Don’t over cool for time of year Recommended 30-35F Check temperature of exhaust air

Fan Operation Cycle

CheckGrainTemperature

MoistureMigration

ResultsFromNon-uniformTemperature

GRAIN INSPECTION

• Look

• Smell

• Feel

Safety is ImportantEntrapments Do Happen !!

Beware of Bridging

Thank You for your Attention

Roger BrookMichigan State UniversityAgricultural Engineering Dept.210 Farrall HallE. Lansing, MI 48824

Tel: 517-353-4456Fax: 517-355-7711Email: brook@msu.edu