Summer grain storage tips: Extending storage life and limiting insect activity

摘要

Summer temperatures will warm grain, which could lead to insect infestations and mould growth. "The goal for summer storage should be to keep the grain as cool as possible to extend the storage life and limit insect activity," says Ken Hellevang, agricultural engineer at the North Dakota State University. In order to remove the solar heat gain that warms the grain, Mr Hellevang recommends ventilating the top of the bin by providing air inlets near the bin roof eave and an outlet near the peak to exhaust the hot air at the top of the bin. It's much like venting an attic he claims, as the heated air rises and is exhausted at the peak.