6 Grain Conditioning Tips

By Farm Progress Nebraska Farmer

A common misperception is that grain can be held above 15% moisture without risking quality or loss of net income, says Gary Woodruff, GSI grain handling applications manager.

To safely store corn postharvest through the following spring, moisture content generally should not exceed 15%. To safely store through the fall, it should be no higher than 14%; and to store grain for one year or longer, it should be no more than 13% moisture. Small grains do not drop as much, but they should be targeted at least a point below 13% to hold more than a year, Woodruff says.

Check with local grain conditioning experts, too, Woodruff advises, because specific recommendations vary from state by state.

Besides making sure your grain is dry enough for short- or long-term storage, Woodruff offers these tips:

1. As grain enters the bin, run aeration fans to equalize kernel grain moisture, which typically takes five to 10 days.This puts the grain in the best shape to store safely.