Gage County
1115 West Scott St., Beatrice NE 68310
Phone: (402) 223-1384
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News Column

Paul C Hay, Extension Educator

Bin and Equipment Maintenance will Help Ensure Grain Quality

Effects of Hurricane Katerina has the potential to cause long-term problems in the movement of grain, not only in the immediate disaster area, but in the rest of the country as well. This may result in longer on-farm storage needs. Adequate grain bin and equipment maintenance before and during harvest will be needed to help ensure that good quality grain will be stored and grain quality will be preserved.

To help assure good quality, remove all traces of old grain from harvest equipment. Even small amounts of moldy or insect-infested grain left in equipment can contaminant new grain. Adjust combines to minimize grain damage and maximize removal of fines and other foreign material. Operate augers at full capacity to reduce wear and grain breakage. With variable incoming flow rates, reducing auger speed can keep the auger operating at full capacity.

Remove any spilled grain from the bin site and mow weeds/plants around bins to reduce the likelihood of insect or rodent infestation. If necessary, re-grade the site so water drains away from bin foundations. Also, inspect bins and foundations for structural problems. An uneven foundation settlement can cause gaps at the bottom edge of the bin. These gaps can result in grain spills and provide entry points for water, insects and rodents. Gaps between the foundation and bin will allow air that normally would be forced through the grain to escape from the bin, reducing efficiency and increasing costs. Be sure all bin anchor bolts are tight and undamaged. Caulk between the bottom of the bin and the foundation.

Inspect the bin roof and sides for leaks, loose or sheared bolts and rust or other corrosion. Caulk any cracks at the roof line. Be sure the access ladder is complete and securely fastened to the bin.

Repair or replace any deteriorated parts. Wiring for fans and other electrical components should be inspected for corrosion and cracked, frayed or broken insulation. Exposed wiring should be routed through a waterproof, dust–tight conduit. Avoid kinking the conduit and make sure all connections are secure.

Check fans, heaters, transitions and ducts for corrosion. Remove any accumulated dust and dirt that will reduce operating efficiency. Be sure all connections are tight and shields are in place.

Throughly clean all bins. Check ledge above entrance door. Use a broom and vacuum to remove all old grain. Do not put new grain on top of old grain to prevent mold and insect infestation of the new grain. Clean bins that are not being used for storage to keep insect from migrating to other bins.

David Shelton, Extension Agricultural Engineer, says "Insects are generally not a problem in grain that is stored less than one year, if the bin is thoroughly cleaned. However, if grain is to be stored for longer than a year, or if a bin has had an insect problem in the past, special precautions should be taken. Treat the bin with an approved insecticide two or three weeks before the new grain is added. Apply the insecticide to as many surfaces as possible, especially joints, seams, cracks, ledges and corners. Spray surfaces to the point of runoff. Treat the outside of the bin at the foundation and around doors, ducts and fans."

View other Gage County News Columns & News Letters: http://gage.unl.edu/news/news.htm

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Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture.
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