Proper grain storage is essential for many farms—without it, yields can be lost, and profit margins devastated. There are many things that farmers are concerned about, but our guide details some of the biggest problems in grain storage and how farmers mitigate them.
Infestation
Any time crops or food are stored together for long periods, there’ll be a threat and concern of insects and pests gathering and contaminating the food. A pest infestation can be especially devastating for farmers, as once insects invade grain storage and begin their infestation, it can mean devastating losses of grain and profits.
Many insects and pests can ruin grain storage, including:
- Granary weevils
- Grain moths
- Grain borers
- Spiders
- Silverfish
- Cockroaches
These small creatures can cause devastating losses for grain farmers, so dealing with pests in grain storage is a primary concern.
Temperature
Grain can also rot and spoil if not stored in the most favorable conditions. Many farmers live in regions with hot summers and chilling winters, and these intense fluctuations can destroy grain storage if they’re not stored at a consistent and comfortable temperature.
In most cases, the ideal silo temperature is around 50 degrees, typically with little to no humidity, and no chance of insects burrowing in and contaminating the storage. But if a silo’s temperature control malfunctions and the temperature drops or rises a few degrees for too long, the grain yield can devastate farmers.
Moisture
Perhaps the biggest problem for farmers with grain storage is keeping it consistently dry. Moisture buildup in a grain storage silo can be fatal for the grain within, as it allows mold and fungus to take root and spread throughout.
In many regions with fluctuating temperatures and humid summers, condensation and moisture are a major concern for grain farmers. That’s why modern silos come with ventilation and aeration systems to keep the humidity and airflow in a silo consistent, and the grain within it dry.
Mycotoxins
A side effect of too much moisture being allowed to condense in a grain storage silo is the formation of mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are a type of mold, and if the grain isn’t diligently cared for, it can take hold in grain storage and severely harm humans and animals if consumed.
If mycotoxins are found within grain storage, it could mean the entire silo is unusable as the potential danger is too severe, and the total yield of the crop is lost. That’s why temperature and moisture control systems may be expensive equipment but necessary; the alternative to losing an entire silo of grain is too high of a risk for farmers.
