Essential Tips for Properly Storing Grain Long-Term
Storing grain might sound like a simple task, but it’s something you always have to execute very carefully. Even scenarios like minor temperature fluctuations in your storage silo can cause big problems. These essential tips for properly storing grain long-term will show you how to keep your products intact all year round.
Keep an Eye on Temperature
Use a temperature monitoring device to consistently check on your grain. If you notice strange temperature readings, you’ll have to swiftly make corrections in order to keep your ingredients intact. This is why aeration systems are so crucial for long-term grain storage.
These systems will help you keep grain cool if temperatures begin to fluctuate. This can change from location to location, but the average optimal temperature for grain storage is around 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Maintaining that temperature level is particularly important during the summer. If you’re storing the grain at temperatures North of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, you can wind up helping contaminants like bugs and mold work their way inside.
Store Grain That Can Last
Whenever you store grain, it should be in good condition. If you store low-quality, damaged ingredients long-term, they’re not going to get better in storage. Only store grain that’s in good enough condition to last until the end of your storage cycle. The better the grain, the longer you can store it without worry.
Likewise, don’t store a new batch of grain with an old batch. Only pair batches that are at the same point in their storage cycles. This is one of the most essential tips for properly storing grain long-term because at first, pairing different batches might seem like an efficient storage method; however, only under specific circumstances can that tactic work.
Choose the Right Silo
Although it’s last on this list, choosing the right silo is one of the first steps you should take. There are multiple types of metal storage silos available, not all of which can hold grain long-term.
Knowing the difference between the right storage units for the job, like flat-bottom silos and units less optimized for such processes, will help you avoid making a simple mistake that will have a lasting impact on your grain. By choosing the right silo, you can ensure your crop reaches the next step of the process successfully.
