PREPARE GRAIN BINS

AND EQUIPMENT FOR HARVEST

David P. Shelton, Extension Agricultural Engineer

David D. Jones, Associate Professor, Biological Systems Engineering

Keith J. Jarvi, Extension Assistant, Integrated Pest Management

With harvest rapidly approaching, now is the time to prepare grain bins and harvesting equipment to help ensure that grain going into storage will remain in good condition. Don't wait until the middle of harvest to discover that a bin foundation is severely cracked, or find even later that insects from grain that was left in the combine last fall have severely infested a bin of new grain. Regardless of whether this years' weather results in a bumper crop or reduced-quality grain due to an early frost, proper bin and equipment preparation is a key to preserving stored grain quality.

Harvesting Equipment

Remove all traces of old grain from combines, truck beds, grain carts, augers, and any other equipment used for harvesting, transporting, and handling grain. Even small amounts of moldy or insect-infested grain left in equipment can contaminate a bin of new grain.

Adjust combines according to the manufacturer's specifications to minimize grain damage and to maximize removal of fines and other foreign material. Equip combines with a straw spreader or chopper to avoid leaving windrows of residue that can interfere with subsequent tillage and/or planting operations. Particularly when harvesting soybeans or small grains with an extra-wide header (greater than about 20 feet), a chaff spreader may also be needed for more uniform residue distribution. Be sure that all guards and shields are in place and in good working order.

Bins and Other System Components

Check the bin site, and remove any items or debris that would interfere with safe, unobstructed movement around the bin. Remove any spilled grain and mow the site to reduce the chances of insect or rodent infestation. If necessary, re-grade the site so that water readily drains away from bin foundations.

Inspect bins and foundations for structural problems. Uneven settlement of foundations can cause gaps between the foundation and bottom edge of the bin. This can result in grain spills and provide entry points for water, insects, and rodents. If perforated floors are used, a gap between the foundation and bin will allow air that would normally be forced through the grain to escape from the bin. Small gaps can usually be filled with a high quality caulking compound. If deterioration is extensive, the mastic seal may need to be replaced. Be sure all anchor bolts are tight and not damaged.

Inspect the bin roof and sides, inside and out, for leaks, loose or sheared bolts, rust or other corrosion, etc. Check the roof vents and access hatch, and caulk any cracks at the roofline. Be sure the access ladder is complete and securely fastened to the bin. Repair or replace any deteriorated components.

Wiring for fans and other electrical components should be inspected for corrosion and cracked, frayed, or broken insulation. Exposed wiring should be run through waterproof, dust-tight conduit. Avoid kinking the conduit, and make sure all connections are secure.

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

Ensure that the bins are clean. Remove any old grain with brooms and vacuum cleaners. Never put new grain on top of old. Also, clean bins not being used for storage this year to keep insects from migrating to other bins.

It is generally impossible to thoroughly clean under perforated drying floors. Although by removing the drying fan, and using a grain vacuum, much of the accumulated debris can be removed. The bin should then be fumigated with chloropicrin. (Chloropicrin is a Restricted Use Pesticide and requires gas monitoring devices and respirator protection.)

If long term storage (over 10 months) is anticipated, consider treating the cleaned bin with protective insecticides at least two weeks before adding any grain. Apply the spray to the point of runoff to as many interior surfaces as possible, especially joints, seams, cracks, ledges, and corners. Also spray outside the bin at the foundation and near doors, vents, ducts, and fans.

Malathion, methoxychlor, Tempo, Reldan (stored sorghum only), or diatomaceous earth can be used for treating bin surfaces. Methoxychlor and Tempo should not be applied directly to the grain. As with all pesticides, read and follow product label instructions for handling, dilution, mixing, and application directions. NOTE: Do not spray bins where soybeans will be stored. Stored soybeans rarely experience insect problems and few insecticides are labeled for use on soybeans.

Stored grain represents a major investment. Precautions taken before grain is put into the bin can pay dividends later by helping to assure that quality is maintained.

September 1998