Check grain bins for problems

High moisture grain placed in bin storage last fall should be checked carefully. Several growers have reported their grain was going out of condition and problems were developing.

Look for crusting of the grain surface. Also, condensation on the bin roof indicate problems. Run the bin fan and check for odor. All are signs that one should look further.

If you think there is a problem, unload the grain from the bin to see if a problem exists. Grain removed will feed from the top of the bin downward and will empty first. Often, the problem will be in the center of the bin and will be removed as one empties the bin. The grain that is good can be replaced back into the bin.

If the problem cannot be handled by removing a couple loads of grain, then the wet grain is starting to go out of condition. Use the fan to push air through the grain mass. Add heat if your bin fan has that option. Once you start moving the drying front through the grain, continue to run the fan and do not stop. With the current humidity and temperature, this will mean weeks not days.

Another option is to move part of the grain to another bin. As the height of the grain mass is lessened, the time for it to dry or for the drying front to move through the grain mass is lessened.

If there is a bigger problem, we need to market the grain. You may have difficulty finding a buyer for wet grain. Buyers often have the same problem of handling wet grain so they do not have the proper equipment. You may search for buyers outside of the local area.

For more information, contact Wayne Flanary at 660-446-3724 or Heather Benedict at 660425-6434, Regional Agronomists, or Jim Crawford, Natural Resource Engineer at 66-744-6231, University of Missouri Extension.