The Sept. 6 Crop Progress Report notes that 15% of the nation’s corn crop has matured. For soybeans, 10% are in the leaf-dropping stage. There is undoubtedly time before harvest begins, but as we mentioned in last week’s article, it’s best to be proactive versus reactive to avoid any untimely breakdowns and setbacks.
In our last edition of Stine Weekly, we discussed ways to plan ahead for harvest and tips for checking equipment. This week, we’ll discuss how to prep grain bins with a focus on staying safe in and around bins and grain-handling equipment.
“Prepping your grain bins for harvest should not be overlooked,” says Todd Schomburg, director of agronomy at Stine®. “A clean, well-sealed and climate-controlled bin ensures you don’t put the quality of your seed at risk.”
Here are a few industry recommendations for prepping bins and staying safe in and around grain-handling equipment.
Clean bins. If there’s old grain in the bin, safely remove it. Whether you use a vacuum system or broom, cleaning old grain out from the bin ensures the new grain won’t be tainted by insects, mold or any other issue that may be present in your old grain. Some experts even recommend applying an insecticide or fumigating the bin after cleaning to prevent any pest or pathogen from infesting new grain.
Penn State University Extension says, “Several species of beetles and moth caterpillars can attack stored grain. Once insect infestations are established, they are difficult to control, so a good mindset is ‘start clean to stay clean.’”
If you intend to apply an insecticide or fumigate, it’s best practice to do so a few weeks before grain fill and to follow label instructions. It’s also recommended to wash out grain bins and check any vents, doors or seams for old grain or insects.
Clear augers and other grain-handling equipment of debris. Ensure augers and other grain-holding and filling equipment are free of old seed or traces of insects. Experts from the University of Nebraska’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources note, “Even small amounts of moldy or insect-infested grain left in equipment can contaminate a bin of new grain.”
Check for cracks, gaps and leaks. Once your bin is clean of debris, it’s important to examine the interior and exterior of the bins for any cracks, gaps and leaks where excess moisture or insects might be able to enter. Check the foundation for cracks, the roof for any leaks, and the doors and vents for any gaps. Where possible, seal any openings.
Moisture control. Before filling bins, make sure that any grain you intend to fill it with is properly dried.
“We recommend drying corn until it’s around 15% moisture for short-term storage,” says Schomburg. “For soybeans, it’s best to keep moisture levels at around 13%. This prevents the seed from mold or moisture-feeding insects.”
Another important task — once in the bin, level the grain to allow for better airflow.
Stay safe
Grain entrapment and engulfment are not to be taken lightly. In fact, in the 2021 Summary of U.S. Agricultural Confined Space-Related Injuries and Fatalities, “No fewer than 56 fatal and non-fatal cases involving agricultural confined spaces were documented in 2021.” And “There were no fewer than 29 grain storage and handling related entrapments in 2021.”
Safety is of the utmost importance when in and around grain bins. Recommendations include:
- Educate operators. Anyone entering grain bins or operating grain-handling equipment such as augers should understand the safe operating procedures of the equipment. Read all manuals, take safety courses and review educational resources wherever and whenever available.
- Employ the buddy system. Never go into a grain bin or operate an auger without another person around.
- Wear PPE. Always wear the appropriate grain respirators or masks to avoid inhalation of grain dust. Consider protective eyewear to keep dust from entering your eyes.
- Avoid loose clothing. Loose clothing, jewelry or anything dangling from your clothing can become entangled in an auger.
- Check CO2 levels before entering a bin. CO2 sensing is a method of checking levels in your grain and the bin. High CO2 levels can lead to grain spoilage and are also dangerous to humans’ respiratory systems.
- Avoid power lines. Augers should be lowered appropriately when operating in and around power lines.
- Make others aware of hazards. Post warning signs in and around grain bins to alert others to the dangers they pose.
- Check ladders, staircases and cages. Avoid trips, falls and spills by checking that all ladders, staircases and cages are safe and properly secured before climbing or entry.
- Wear a harness. If entry into the grain bin is necessary, always wear a harness and have another person around.
- Shut it down. Shut down the auger or any other equipment that may be operating before entering a grain bin.
“Grain bin and grain-handling safety is critical not only during harvest but year-round,” says Schomburg. “Growers and grain operators must be diligent in employing safety measures when cleaning and checking bins, as well as when operating augers and other grand-handling equipment. Complacency is not an option.
For more information on grain bin prep and safety, consult your local Stine sales representative or agronomist