By Tyce Masich, AAg, Crops Extension Specialist, Outlook
December 2024
Stored grain is a future source of income for farms, so it’s essential to ensure it is stored in proper condition. The most important time to monitor stored grain is in the first month after the grain enters the bin because grain respires during this time and releases moisture. Once grain has been dried to a level suitable for long-term storage, checking bins throughout the winter months is a good practice for maintaining high grain quality. Monitor grain temperature in the bin throughout the winter and check temperature at least once a week using a grain thermometer or other sensors. If you notice the grain temperature in the bin rising while the outside temperature is cold, this could be a sign of a hot spot forming due to microbial or insect activity.
Saskatchewan experiences fluctuating mild and cold conditions during the winter, especially last year when much of the province didn’t receive snow until January. These temperature fluctuations can influence air and moisture movement inside bins leading to grain spoilage. As temperatures plumet in the winter, warm air and moisture accumulate at the center of the bin near the top of the grain pile. This is where spoilage and grain crusting occur during the winter and is something to look for when checking bins. If the auger created a peak in the grain pile when loading, levelling the grain surface with a shovel is an easy strategy to minimize spoilage risk. Spoilage risk is a factor of grain temperature and moisture when stored. In general, spoilage risk increases when grain moisture content and temperature is high when stored. However, because spoilage risk varies between crops, it’s important to consider safe storage conditions for specific crops. If you suspect spoilage in your bin, aeration and grain turning are options to cool grain and reduce moisture content.
As with spoilage, insect infestations start near the top and center area of the grain pile where it is typically warmer. Setting probe traps or collecting a grain sample from this area are ways to monitor insect activity. Insects typically reproduce when grain temperature is above 15 degrees Celsius, so the grain should be cooled by aerating or turning to reduce insect risk. Rusty grain beetles can survive freezing temperatures, which require greater cooling efforts. Specific temperatures and exposure length for insect control in grain can be found in the 2024 Guide to Crop Protection.
Finally, snow can blow into bins if lids aren’t properly secured. When snow enters the bin, the added moisture to the grain can increase spoilage risk. Therefore, removing snow before it melts is important for preventing spoilage when outside temperatures begin to rise.
Entering grain bins can be a dangerous task. Ensure you take extra safety precautions and use proper safety equipment when climbing or entering bins. If you have any questions about monitoring grain bins, please contact your local crops extension specialist or call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.