On-farm grain storage has become a significant part of many Australian cropping operations, but stored grain needs to be managed to ensure what you put in is the same quality when it comes out.
by Jeff Russell, WA Grains Biosecurity Officer
A 2018 survey by Kondinin Group found that on-farm storage capacity as a percentage of production was 41%, with silos accounting for over 80% of capacity.
Storing grain on farm successfully requires understanding the best practice for storage hygiene and monitoring. These practices can prevent moulds, insects and fungi becoming a problem and help you avoid costly quality issues.
Whether you store grain to sell later or just to retain as seed for the next season, having good stored grain hygiene practices are essential to protect your freshly harvested grain and your financial returns.
Hygiene practices for stored grain include:
It is important to monitor your investment and keep tabs on how it is tracking, so check your grain monthly for insects, mould and moisture.
A 2016 pilot study in southern Queensland conducted by Greg Daglish from Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries identified and provided recommendations on two simple methods that growers can use to detect pests in stored grain: sieving grain samples and using probe traps.
If you are only going to sieve grain from one location, the study recommends taking samples from the bottom of the silo rather than the top and then sieving.
When using probe traps the study recommended inserting them so that the top of the trap is level with the grain surface.
Inserting the probe trap into the grain through the top hatch is preferable to inserting it through the upper side hatch.
Probe traps should be inspected after one day in case there is a heavy infestation as large numbers of beetles can clog the traps. If no or few beetles are trapped in the first day a longer trapping period can be used.
Early morning is generally the best time to visually inspect the grain surface for beetles as they are more likely to avoid the grain surface during the high temperatures and low humidity experienced during the middle of the day.
If you find anything unusual in your silos report it to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
A booklet by the Grains Farm Biosecurity Program on monitoring stored grain on farm is available at planthealthaustralia.com.au/gfbp
Another useful resource is the GRDC’s information hub for grain storage, quality control, and insect and pest management. Visit the hub at storedgrain.com.au