Storing Corn
Good Day! I hope all is well.
We received almost no rainfall in the past week. Temperatures were below normal for the past week.
Harvest is still in progress. About 90% of the soybeans have been harvested and about 50% of the corn have been harvested.
Women sign up for Annie’s Project. This program will be offered from November 15, 2021 to February 28, 2022 for six weeks in Hatton, North Dakota. To register for the event visit the following website: www.tinyURL.com/APHatton . If you have questions about the program call the Griggs County Extension Office at 701-797-3312.
Now that corn harvest is about 50% completed, it is time to manage the corn in the bin. Use integrated pest management practices to protect the corn from mold and insect activity. Once the corn is in the bin all that can be done to manage the corn is to control temperature, manage the depth of the grain in the bin to allow for good airflow, and to monitor moisture, mold, and insect populations. Proper management of the grain can prevent the use of insecticides to control insects.
Corn moisture should be held at 15%. Problems with storage can occur when corn has not been dried enough or not dried uniformly enough and high levels of trash and fine material are present. Therefore, it is important to check the top layer in all bins about one week after drying and cooling to make sure no moisture build up has occurred. Elevated temperatures and/or moisture can cause mold and insect growth even in cool weather. The growth of mold and insects will produce heat causing further deterioration of the grain.
Controlling temperature and moisture is the most cost-effective way to prevent spoilage problems. The temperature of the corn should match the average air temperature. It is better to have the grain cooler than warmer. Mold and insect activity is held in check when grain temperatures are below 55° F and relative humidity is below 65%. To keep the molds from growing and producing mycotoxins the grain should be stored at 36 to 44 degrees F. Clean corn dried to 15% should store for at least 6 to 12 months if cooled properly.
Even properly dried corn can spoil if corn is not cooled thoroughly. Uneven grain temperatures can lead to moisture migration to the top center of the bin, promoting mold and insect growth. Moisture migration can be prevented when grain temperature is equalized throughout the bin with aeration. The length of aeration time to remove the moisture depends upon the size of the fan relative to the amount of grain.
If possible remove the top cone of corn occupying the upper portion of the bin. Removing the corn will reduce the risk of spoilage as most storage problems occur in the upper center of the corn pile where air flow is most difficult. Removing the top cone will also remove fines leading to better air flow.
Stored grain should be inspected in the fall and spring every one to two weeks and every two to four weeks during the winter. Please consider all safety procedures before entering the bin, especially if grain has been removed. Before handling and moving grain with molds be sure to wear a dust mask, goggles, and gloves! The mycotoxins are dangerous to human health.
Hope you have a great day and weekend!
