Weather data, acquired from the Midwestern Regional Climate
Center (MRCC), indicated that the Howard County October through December 2015
mean air temperatures were 6ºF above normal. Monthly mean air temperatures are
comprised of an average of minimum and maximum temperatures for each respective
month. The MRCC database can be obtained at the following url http://mrcc.isws.illinois.edu/CLIMATE/. For
December alone the mean air temperature was 40ºF, which is nearly 12ºF above
normal for the month. Due to the warmer temperatures, there may be concern for
deterioration of stored grains. Spoiling of stored grain is mainly tied to
temperature, grain moisture content, insect exposure, and molds (Lawrence et
al., 2013). Grain temperature and moisture are influenced by the natural
heating from the sun and the thermal properties of the storage bin. Elevated
insect and mold activity within the stored grain can result in further temperature
increases (Lawrence et al., 2013). Managing stored grains can be a difficult
task and can result in economic losses if poor management practices are applied.
Mold prevention practices should be implemented when managing
stored grain. To prevent contamination from a previous year’s grain, thoroughly
clean all equipment inside and out before harvest. Grain should be dried until
a safe moisture is reached. Storing grain at a moisture of 0.5 to 1% less than
normal could decrease the risk of exposure to mycotoxins, which are health
hazards to both animals and humans (Erickson et al., 2010). Cooling the grain temperatures
(between 35 and 40ºF) as the outside air temperature drops will reduce fungal
activity and deterioration of the grain (Erickson et al., 2010). Once the grain
reaches proper temperatures, it is important to keep the grain cool throughout
the winter. Periodic, warmups can cause unwanted grain temperature increases
(Maier et al., 1995). As grain temperatures reach greater than 60ºF, the
conditions within the bin can be favorable for insect damage and fungal
activity. In order to minimize the potential increase in grain temperature, it
is important to seal fans and ducts to reduce the amount of warm air leaking
into the bin. By covering these access points for rodents and insects, the
potential for grain loss can also decrease. Routinely checking the grain
storage facility for temperature, moisture, mold, and insects can help
remediate grain loss. Other management practices, such as leveling and coring,
will reduce the grain warming potential (Maier, 1995).
If handling moldy grain is necessary, be sure to wear a
respirator to keep smaller particles from entering your body. Spores could also
stick to clothing, so changing clothes immediately after handling moldy grain
can reduce your risk of becoming sick. If exposed to the mold and become sick,
seek immediate medical attention (Erickson et al., 2010). Please feel free to
contact the Howard County Extension Office for questions or further information
regarding proper grain storage.
Sources
Erickson, B., Field, B., Lemenager, R., Roberts, M.,
Stroshine, R., 2010. Managing Moldy Grain. Purdue Extension. ID-418. www.purdue.edu/cornmold
Lawrence, J., Maier, D.E., Stroshine, R.L., 2013.
Transactions of the ASABE, American Society of Agricultural and Biological
Engineers 56 (1): 179-188.
Maier,
D.E., Mason, L.J., Woloshuk, C.P., 1995. Keeping Cold Grain Cold. Purdue
University. Grain Quality Task Force. Fact Sheet #21.
Midwestern
Regional Climate Center. Cli-MATE: MRCC Application Tools Environment.
Generated at 01/05/2016 12:35:33 PM CST.
