Proper grain storage is essential to keeping moisture low and quality high, whether holding to sell or incorporating into livestock feed rations when you decide to locally store your own grain

The key to good grain storage is to put the highest-quality grain into the bin or bring it to the proper moisture condition as quickly as possible. The overall quality of stored grain always deteriorates; it is just a matter of how quickly deterioration starts.

Well-maintained bins will deter pests and environmental elements, such as water leaking into the bin. In addition to reduced grain quality, moisture in grain can cause spoiling and clumping. Spoiled or clumped grain can lead to dangerous situations such as clogged unloading equipment, grain bridging, or grain avalanches.

Harvesting and storing grain at the proper moisture level will lead to a better quality of grain and safer work conditions.

Start Clean, Stay Clean

Just as many agronomists preach keeping fields clean throughout the growing season, so too should grain bins start as clean as possible. Whether utilizing a vacuum system or a broom, cleaning out grain bins before loading new grain ensures higher quality grain. An empty bin may not necessarily be a clean bin as insect, mold, and other forms of residue can all taint grain.   

Experience heavy insect pressure or mold? Applying an insecticide or fumigating the bin after cleaning can prevent pests or pathogens from infesting new grain. If applying insecticides or fumigating, it’s best practice to do so a few weeks before grain fill and to follow label instructions. Cleaning out grain bins and checking any vents, doors, or seams for old grain or insects can help bins start and stay clean. 

Equipment can also harbor insects and pathogens. Clean augers and other grain-holding and filling equipment, as traces of insects can still impact grain quality. 

Grain Quality

Proper drying is critical for quality grain storage. Storing high-moisture grain can exacerbate or increase the incidence of molds and significantly affect grain quality. Consider a grain dryer to help get the seed to each crop’s ideal moisture level for extended storage. If storing wet grain is unavoidable, it may have a shorter shelf life in the bin as it is more prone to spoilage. 

According to Bill Wilcke, Extension Researcher at the University of Minnesota, corn stored for up to six months should be dried to 15% moisture. Corn stored for six to 12 months should be dried to 14% moisture, and corn stored for more than 12 months should be dried to 13% moisture. 

Be careful of overdrying corn as it can lead to significant dollars lost due to added expense and fewer bushels to sell in the market. 

According to Mark Licht, Extension Cropping Systems Specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, soybeans should be stored at 13% moisture or less. Soybeans with less than 15% moisture can be dried with bin fans. Soybean stored over one planting season should be at 12% moisture or less. Carryover seed should be stored at 10% moisture or less. 

In an average year, natural unheated air will dry soybeans to 13% moisture. But in cool, wet falls, supplemental heat may be required. 

On farms that produce both corn and soybeans, it may be possible to use the same high-temperature drying equipment for both crops. However, be careful when drying soybeans. They are fragile and can be damaged by air that is too hot or too dry, as well as by rough handling. Soybeans have about 25% less airflow resistance than shelled corn, so fans sized for corn drying will produce greater airflow through soybeans. 

Routine Checks

Keep an eye on the bins. Frequently checking of bins and grain ensures everything works correctly and grain is appropriately stored. Weekly bin checks are ideal during the summer.  

When checking grain, climb to the top of the bin and, without entering, see if there is a crust or any noticeable smell. An increase in surface moisture is often the first sign of problems. If there is anything wrong, start the aeration fans. A bin with an appropriately sized aeration fan will have enough airflow to dry a small layer of moisture on top of the bin. 

During the fall, continue to check grain bins routinely. For grain in good condition cooled to under 30 degrees, inspection intervals can be reduced to once every three to four weeks during cold weather. 

During the summer and fall, insect infestations are usually near the grain’s surface. During cold weather, stored grain insects congregate at the center and lower portions of the grain mass and may escape detection until extensive heating has developed. 

Proper grain storage is essential for maintaining quality. By starting with clean bins, ensuring adequate moisture levels, and conducting routine inspections, farmers can significantly reduce the risks of spoilage and contamination. The key to successful grain storage lies in proactive management and vigilance—ensuring grain is protected from pests and environmental factors will pay dividends in future growing seasons.