29 Oct 09- Avoiding grain storage wrecks

There’s a pile of grain coming off tough or damp and there are going to be some storage wrecks. The Canola Council of Canada has compiled tips for handling tough or damp canola and some of the advice applies to other grains as well. Some producers are hoping to let the crop freeze before combining. The Canola Council notes that going through the combine, the crop typically warms up and this can ice up the sieves. For farmers who think that cool harvest temperatures will protect grain in storage, remember that mould still grows in a fridge. Cool temperatures may help delay issues with heating, but unless the temperature throughout the stored canola can be maintained at well below freezing, it will eventually spoil. Physical movement every two to three days may be necessary depending upon the level of moisture and the temperature. When using heated air drying, grain should be over dried slightly to allow for a rebound in moisture as the grain cools. If you’re considering the addition of heat to a natural air system, it is generally recommended to limit the increase in air temperature to 10 degrees Celsius. That may be insufficient to provide significant drying. And says the Canola Council, if you’re blending in an attempt to bring damp canola down to tough, be careful. A poor job of mixing may simply put your drier canola at risk for spoilage. Check out the Canola Council of Canada website for more details. I’m Kevin Hursh.