How do growers protect stored grains in the bin during winters?

Before the arrival of a cold front in a typical midwestern, USA winter, farmers work at increasing their capacities for storing grains. When designing storing strategies, using grain storage devices, variables such as how much grain is currently stored versus how much grain will be needed to make it through an upcoming cold front need to be considered. With these requirements in mind, farmers make use of unused bins from other farmers who don’t have enough storage capacity and use them to store the crops being harvested.

It’s not unusual for each farm to have bins located at strategic locations around the countryside in areas that offer the best natural climate protection available in terms of wind direction and elevation relative to a nearby water body or mountain range. As a consequence, when multiple farms have a need for additional storage capacity, they either rent or lease the extra space from nearby farms that have already rented or leased their unused storage capacity to other farmers. In order to avoid having to pay heavy entrance fees and penalties if a bin is not used at all during the winter, farmers use weather forecasting services and the grain bin monitoring systems to manage the stored grains. 

The current situation in the USA today is that there is a great deal of supply and very little demand for renting or leasing extra storage space during the winter. As such, farmers who want to take advantage of this opportunity can do so by selling their unused storage capacity to other farmers in need, but only if the natural surroundings make it easier for one farmer to lease unused space from another. Farmers use weather forecasting services provided by nearby agricultural extension centers as well as information surrounding areas with high elevations as a guide to which farmers should lease their unused storage capacity. 

How do farmers freeze grains?

Farmers use a number of different approaches when freezing grains. Farmers in the USA can purchase generic, portable storage bins for storing grains and other crops in an individual farm to protect against cold weather along with the relevant grain temp guard devices such as alarm systems, probes, temperature sensors, etc. There are also manufacturers such as Farm Shop that specialize in manufacturing specific storage containers custom fit to the customer’s needs at a reduced price by taking advantage of economies of scale.

Precautions required for freezing grains

There are a number of precautions required for freezing grains. Keeping the storage space at an ideal temperature is one of the most important factors because it reduces energy expenditure on heating and cooling during different seasons. For this reason, it’s recommended that farmers invest in specialized grain storage containers that have been tested to ensure compliance with international standards. Third-party inspection agencies test the strength of materials used in these containers so they can pass rigorous physical stress tests without any cracks or tears occurring.

Copperhead Agricultural Products

How can producers save grains from the effect of moisture migration inside the storage bin?

Moisture migration is a phenomenon that occurs when water droplets evaporate from the surface of the material being stored. This happens in a storage bin due to temperature changes and temperature gradients, causing moisture to form at the bottom of the bin and migrate to other areas during harvest. The use of grain storage equipment can help farmers prevent the occurrence of moisture migration inside the storage bin.

How does this happen?

Moisture migration in the grain storage bin occurs because water evaporates from wet grains; as vapor pressure increases in one location (causing moisture removal), it creates condensation elsewhere (resulting in condensation or dew). That is why you see dew or frost on surfaces outside, such as grass and fences, early in the morning before sunrise: heat has been removed from objects during the night, causing the water to condense on the surfaces. Similarly, temperature gradients cause moisture to migrate in grain storage conditions.

Moisture migrates when wet grains are stored in a bin, causing lower quality grain due to spoilage or mold formation. Further problems can occur during harvesting if moisture has migrated to areas of the bin where dry grain is located, causing the producer to harvest poor quality grain along with the good-quality grain. Poor quality harvested grain cannot be sold for human consumption or feed use and may have reduced handling qualities.

How grains are affected by Moisture migration?

Moisture migration in the storage bin increases the risk of spoilage and mold formation, which can cause quality problems during harvesting. This is why it is important to prevent moisture migration in grain bins.

Producers should inspect bins before filling them with wet grain or after emptying them (weight variation) to determine if there are visible signs of moisture migration (dew, frost, etc.). If there are visible signs of moisture migration in the storage bin, producers should try to reduce temperature gradients by covering the bin or removing heat sources.

If producers sell wet grain out of season or when prices decrease significantly, they should increase their chances for success by using covers on bins to decrease temperature variations and prevent early morning dew from forming on the grain surface.

Why does moisture migration occur?

Temperature gradients occur in stored material because heat naturally moves from warmer regions toward cooler regions (where cold air falls). Temperature gradients also exist across different layers of stored material, i.e., between the surface and bottom of a bin. Ground temperature is typically cooler than the air temperature, so heat moves from warmer air to the cooler ground in the spring when crops are being stored in bins for the winter.

Since moisture migration occurs because of evaporation, condensation, or dew formation, it is likely when humidity conditions are high during periods of cool temperatures (or cold temperatures), or when wet grains are stored in a bin with dry grain. These conditions increase vapor pressure in one location, causing water to migrate until partial pressure equals atmospheric pressure at each point inside the bin. With higher humidity conditions inside a bin storing wet grains with dry grain, more condensation is likely since there should be more evaporation from the wet grains.

Thus, the presence of dry grain in a bin at harvest time will help prevent moisture migration and condensation during storage. Moisture should migrate to wetter spots inside the bin and then recondense when temperatures fall and humidity levels rise, though this may take some time if there are large amounts of dry grain throughout the bin. This allows for proper drying prior to harvest which reduces spoilage, risk of mold growth, insect contamination, dustiness problems (in harvested grain), and increases farm income (by allowing for better quality harvested grain).

On average, 15% moisture content is needed for safe long-term storage. The higher quality grains can be stored longer because less damage occurs through spoilage and mold growth.

Preventing moisture migration should be done through the use of dry grain in the bin, maintaining proper ventilation, rotating stored crops to prevent spoilage problems, using Grain Temp Guard Probes Alarm HT, Grain Temp Guard Alarm DT and HT, EndZone Fan Controls, and checking for moisture content during storage by weighing bins or taking random samples throughout the bin for analysis at a lab.

Moisture migrates inside an airtight bin when temperature gradients cause water molecules to evaporate from wetter areas (surface of stored grain) until partial pressure equals atmospheric pressure. The presence of dry grain will help prevent this because moist air cannot form if there is no condensation location available. The best practice for preventing moisture migration is to store no more than 15% percent moisture content, which means you need to check your stored crop’s moisture content often during storage. Keeping the bin properly ventilated will also help prevent condensation problems by allowing enough oxygen exchange and heat release so that temperature gradients are not strong enough to cause moisture migration. Using the Farm Shop products that include grain storage equipment is recommended to maintain the quality of the grains.

How do automatic fan controls operate to aerate and remove moisture from the stored grains in the bin?

Oftentimes, the moisture content in stored grain will increase over time. If left unchecked, mold growth can become a problem affecting both the quality and safety of the stored grains. To prevent this from happening, farmers often use an automatic fan control to remove excess humidity and moisture by pulling fresh air into the bin through the dust cap openings. The size of the openings in the dust cap, as well as air turbulence inside the bin, determines how much fresh air is pulled into the bin.

In farm bins with a forced ventilation system (exhaust fan, pit fan, or both), fans are often controlled by a temperature sensor mounted on the outside of the bin that automatically turns on during hot weather conditions when the air in the bin is warmer than the surrounding environment. As this warm, moist air passes over the cold sensor, condensation occurs and moisture is released from the air into a pipe system where it is removed through an open pit or runoff to containment systems. If there are no fans or ventilators installed in a farm bin with forced ventilation, then heat emanating from within the bin will be sufficient to automatically turn on the fan(s), thus reducing heating costs. 

An automatic dust cap opener (A-DCO) consists of an electric motor, driveshaft and chain lift system. The lift chain is attached to the bin top front support beams. As grain pushes against the chains, they open up the dust caps. Some models are switchable to close/open positions for wintering down bins with ventilation fans operating in humid conditions or during high moisture situations that increase mold growth risk.

How did aeration fan controls work to add or remove the moisture from the stored grains?

Aeration fan controls are used on farm bins with forced ventilation systems. When the humidity is high, and automatically activated system turns on the exhaust fan to remove excess moisture from the bin by pulling fresh air through open dust cap openings. To turn on or off fans during temperature extremes, a temperature sensor is installed on top of the bin that activates basement fans when the temperature in the bin rises above 55 degrees Fahrenheit or falls below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This method of controlling ventilation works well in low relative humidity conditions such as during hot summer days when moisture evaporates quickly and when windy conditions prevent condensation from occurring over cold surfaces (such as sensors). Temperature control also regulates fans when falling grain puts against chains that raise and lower dust. 

What is EndZone Fan Controls and how does it work?

EndZone Fan Controls is an effective device that is used for adding or removing moisture from the stored grains such as corn, soybean, wheat, etc.  Farm Shop’s automatic EndZone Fan Controls are connected to the Grain Temp Guard Alarm System, Grain Temp Guard Probes, or Grain Temp Guard Dual Alarm System. As the temperature levels are pre-set to maintain the moisture content of the grains, the EndZone Fan Controls operates the fan and turns them ON or OFF as required for attaining the preset temperature levels and the moisture content. This device can be connected to the aerated fans installed in the storage bins.  Thus the producer need not operate the fans manually, as EndZone Fan Controls handles the operation of the fans. 

Tips for successful planting of soybean

Planting soybeans is not an easy task. There are many things that must be considered when planting these crops, but if you follow the given tips below then it should go smoothly and produce a successful crop.   Apart from this, you need to use the latest farming equipment for better agriculture practice.  The first and most important step to growing soybeans is planting. Without careful management of this critical period, you may end up with a lacklustre crop that produces less yield than it should have because weeds are taking over your field or the water content in soil isn’t high enough for plants’ root systems to grow deep into the ground where nutrients can be found. Below we share six tips about successful planting: 

1) Selecting the best variety of seeds

Selecting your variety of seeds for planting is the first step in the process. The best varieties will yield high-quality beans at a lower cost, and provide higher yields than other standard varieties.  Selecting appropriate seeds for planting from one of these standard varieties will allow you to reap higher profits without having to spend more money on additional fertilizers.  Make sure seeds are planted at an appropriate depth, f they are too shallow weed growth will happen much more quickly making them difficult to kill off once they sprout. But if seedlings are not allowed access below ground level there is no chance for roots to take hold and get good circulation moving throughout all areas

2) Soil testing

Soil testing is also key to ensuring that soybeans are planted on fertile soil or your crop can suffer from nutrient deficiencies which may result in stunted growth as well as low bean production.  In many places, soil testing is mandatory before planting soybeans ensuring that they are planted on fertile and healthy ground so the plants can grow to their full potential without suffering from nutrient deficiencies or stunted growth due to poor soil quality. 

3) Early planting of Soybean

Planting soybeans early ensures that the plants reach maturity before frost. This can be done by planting in April or May, and will help combat damaging pests without needing to use pesticides.

4) Planting soybean in narrow rows

Soybeans are planted on standard row widths of 30 inches which may seem like a large distance between rows at first glance but is an optimal width for standard planting equipment and will not require more work or time to walk back and forth between rows.  Choosing standard row widths of 30 inches ensures that your crop will be planted without the need for more of your time or work.

5)  Pre-emergence herbicides

Pre-emergence herbicides are one of the most important steps in planting soybeans, as they can be applied prior to the emergence of weeds which may have a damaging effect on your crop if left unchecked.  The standard practice before planting soybeans is to apply pre-emerge herbicides which will kill any weeds that may damage your crop and prevent those pesky plants from ruining everything you’ve worked so hard for.

6) Standard Closing Wheels

When you employ advanced and innovative standard closing wheels when closing the seed furrow then there are higher possibilities of faster and consistent germination and the emergence of the seeds.  Germinator Closing Wheels are the best and advanced closing wheels that remove the chances of sidewall elimination as well as air pockets. Their spikes are designed in such a way that they put lower down pressure on the soil.  Germinator Closing Wheels works with all kinds and models of tractors and planters. 

Soybeans can be raised anywhere and still produce high yields with standard varieties, provided the above points are followed and Germinotor Closing Wheels are used.

Tips and Tricks for a better potential yield of corn

Planting corn is a delicate process and it requires the grower to consider many factors from seed type, soil fertility levels, and sunlight exposure in order for the crop to be successful.

Growing healthy crops begins with planting best practices that will optimize your yield and economic return on investment when harvesting them at the season’s end. Here are some important things you need to know before getting started:

The firm seedbed for planting 

A firm seedbed at planting time will give your seeds the best chance to germinate and grow, but it can be hard to tell what’s really underfoot without taking a walk through the fields first. You might think of a seedbed as the foundation for planting the seeds. 

A seedbed is considered too loose if one sinks more than an inch when walking through the field, but this can vary based on planting equipment. A firm soil at planting time helps to create good contact with seeds and also establish nodal roots near the surface of the earth which will help in future growth. Tilling can be a great way to get rid of weeds, but too much tilling will make it difficult for vegetative organisms (such as plants) to thrive. So before you start planting or fertilizing your garden beds, avoid plowing more than necessary and don’t turn over the soil any deeper than six inches below ground level – this should allow enough space for plant roots.

Avoid wet soil and tillage

Soil that crumbles when squeezed is the perfect time to prepare a seedbed. Wet soils, however, are problematic for farmers as they can make it difficult for nodal roots of crops to penetrate and cause compacted layers below so much work with pre-plant tillage becomes necessary.

Planting seeds in wet soil creates a cloddy seedbed, creating furrows that open after planting and diminish contact with the ground. Planting on dry soil is best because it prevents this from happening to your fragile sprouts.

Planting on wet soils can cause seed furrows to open, as well as diminish the amount of soil that is touching the seeds. This lack of seed-to-soil contact between plant and ground greatly hinders a successful growth period for any given species if not repaired immediately after planting.

The Right Depth of Planting 

Corn is one of the most popular crops for farmers to plant. The majority of corn’s roots are located in between its seed and soil surface, which means that proper planting depth can affect yield significantly if not done correctly. Corn should be planted 2 inches deep; this way barriers such as weeds or rocks will have less chance of blocking nodal root development when it comes time for harvesting.

The recommended planting speed is between two and three miles per hour.

In order to avoid high speeds that make planter units bounce, which causes shallow seed placement and variable emergence of the seeds in your field, it’s important to keep a close eye on how fast you’re going so as not go over this limit.

Appropriate planting time 

As the days grow longer, it becomes easier to plant late and still have a successful yield. If plants are not damaged by frost in early May then they will typically be able to produce comparable yields if planted as soon as soils can be worked in mid-April or even earlier since many of the vital growing degree days that corn needs occur during this time period.

Covering seed ‘V’ with closing wheels speeds up germination and the emergence of seeds. Closing wheels help to ensure that proper soil-seed contact is maintained, as they remove sidewall compaction and air pockets while ensuring fast germination rates for a consistent seedling population.