Grain Storage Expected to be in High Demand
Kentucky grain producers are poised to harvest a considerably larger corn and soybean crop than last year. Combined with the increased wheat crop, the total anticipated production is more than 2022 and even 2021 and sets a new record. Add the negative basis for most grain crops in many areas of the state, and there is considerable pressure on the storage capacity at farms and elevators. Conventional storage bins and silos will be filled soon and alternative structures will likely be needed to handle the extra bushels as harvest continues and producers wait for improved prices in early 2024.
More specifically, the USDA-NASS pre-harvest prediction for this year’s corn and soybean crops coupled with the wheat crop will approach 74.6 million more bushels than in 2022 (a 22% increase). Equipment storage buildings, grain bags and covered outdoor piles are some of the more common alternative storage structures that can be used to handle this increased capacity. And as always, it’s important to keep a safe and watchful eye on stored grain, especially in alternative structures because the job isn’t really done until the grain has passed grade and sold at the elevator, feed mill or distillery.
Grain that is properly dried and cooled, protected from mold and insect pests, and regularly inspected safely should store well with little chance of spoilage, which will help prevent potential price docks at the elevator/buyer. Clean, undamaged grain is best for temporary storage when using lessthan-ideal facilities.
Aim for 14% moisture for corn and 12% for soybeans that will be stored through February. If damaged by insects or mold in the field or held through May, reduce moisture levels by 0.5% to 1% to compensate for these conditions. Storage sheds should be thoroughly cleaned before putting grain in them and all short-term use facilities should be filled last and emptied first.
A properly designed aeration system is essential for successful grain storage in buildings and piles Dr. Sam McNeill UK Extension Professor Emeritus, Ag Engineering (859) 562-1326 sam.mcneill@uky.edu and is the key to maintaining uniform temperatures, which control moisture accumulation and subsequent grain spoilage. Run aeration fans to cool grain below 60 degrees in October and at least once a month in the Fall on bins and flat storage buildings to further cool grain to 50 degrees in November, and 35-40 degrees in December. Fans should be run continuously in covered piles to hold down the cover.
Monitor grain safely and frequently in all systems and look for wildlife, rodent, bird and insect activity in non-conventional structures. Grain in these units are at greater risk for damage due to inherent exposure. Stored grain managers should address any issues quickly with approved pest control methods.
Alternative storage costs vary widely depending on the type of structure, its original condition and holding capacity. A spreadsheet is available on the UK Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering website to estimate the amount of grain these types of structures can hold (https:// www.uky.edu/bae/grain-storage-systems/). Simply enter the dimensions of the structure, pile or bag to calculate storage capacity in bushels. For example, to hold 10,000 bushels, you’d need a 30-ft bin with a 16-ft wall; a 40 x 64-ft shed with a 2-ft wall; a 50-ft diameter pile with a 3-ft wall; or a 10ft by 160-ft grain bag.
The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment has recent publications on storing corn, soybeans and wheat (ID-139, ID-249 and ID-125, respectively) that are available on the publications link at www.ca.uky.edu.
Dr. Sam McNeill
UK Extension Professor Emeritus, Ag Engineering (859) 562-1326 sam.mcneill@uky.edu