An annual review is not something many people would look forward to. For farmers, evaluating their grain system following harvest is a sound strategy to make any necessary upgrades for the following season.
Gary Woodruff, Grain Systems Inc. district manager and grain management expert, said, “Having an efficient, properly sized grain system is key to protecting grain quality and maximizing profitability.”
Woodruff suggested that farmers grade their systems based on these criteria:
► Storage space. Determine if existing bin capacity is sufficient or if you need to improve your grain storage position. Temporary or unconventional storage solutions may sacrifice grain quality. When adding storage, contact the dealer as soon as possible because many get booked quickly.
►Drying capacity. This was not as much of an issue in 2020 as the previous year, according to Woodruff. “However, if your wet storage bin was full before the end of each day during harvest, it may be time to increase drying capacity,” he said.
► Grain handling. High yields put additional stress on grain receiving equipment. If your existing equipment can’t keep up with the inflow of grain, the result will be a bottleneck at harvest. Consider increasing the capacity of your grain handling equipment to improve harvest speed and efficiency.
► Safety. Any time is a good time to consider possible safety enhancements, but especial post-harvest while it is fresh in your mind. “This can include installing roof stairs or peak platforms on bins, checking to see if bin safety cages are secure, and making sure all safety shields on motor drives and dump points are in good condition,” Woodruff said.
For more information, contact your grain system dealer, Extension agent or other industry resource.
Article submitted on behalf of Grain Systems Inc.