Drying and Storage of Grain and Seed Crops in Winter
As winter approaches, it is essential to ensure that your crops are stored correctly. Effective drying and storage prevent quality loss and minimize financial losses. Here are some key tips on how to best handle your crops during the cold months.
Storing Grain in Winther
After drying, it is essential to continue monitoring your crops. Grain is generally considered stable for storage once it has been dried to about 15% moisture and the grain temperature has been reduced to between 0 and 5°C. Only when these conditions are met throughout the storage can you be confident in its stability. The challenge is that the desired grain temperature cannot be achieved at the same time as the drying process is completed. Only when nighttime frost sets in, allowing you to cool the grain with cold, dry air, can you reach the desired grain temperature.
It is important to note that there is a period between drying and cooling when continuous monitoring of grain temperature is crucial. There is a particular risk that parts or all of the grain with higher moisture content may begin to heat up. If the grain warms, it results in a loss of germination potential and dry matter, leading to financial losses. Without prompt action, this can also lead to infestation of grain weevils, as well as the development of harmful molds and toxins.
Even though the grain has been dried, it is necessary to aerate the storage facility when the outside temperature is at least five degrees lower than the crop’s temperature. This prevents the grain from absorbing unnecessary heat.
Automatic Measurement of Temperature and Humidity
By using temperature and humidity sensor, such as StackView, you can automatically and wirelessly measure and monitor the temperature and humidity of your crops. This data is collected on the Care4Farms platform, where you can set up alerts that notify you if temperature or humidity exceeds critical thresholds. This allows you to take action to protect your crops from deterioration
Product features
Included: StackView including antenna, battery, SIM card, software updates, data storage, and support
Length: 1500 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Suitable for crops: Barley, Beans, Canola, Corn, Grain, Hay, Lentils, Oats, Other, Peas, Rice, Rye, Silage, Soybeans, Wheat, and Hay
Suitable for organic farming: Yes
Surface treatment: Polished
Temperature range: -40 – +120 °C
Accuracy: +/- 2°
Weight: 1 kg
