Storing Wheat

Proper prior planning! This is the essence. Let there be no doubt that preventing a problem in stored wheat is by far more effective and economically sound than solving a problem that could have been prevented.

Prepare bins two weeks ahead of time.

Insure your bins are in good repair. Even small holes will allow insect entry. Be sure the roof does not leak!

Do not store with carryover grain.

Thoroughly clean all equipment from the combine to the bin to avoid seeding the newly harvested grain with insect pests.

Consider fumigation of areas below perforated floors and in aeration ducts. Get a professional fumigator to do this dangerous task, correctly. Save your life and money in that order.

Treat the insides and around the outsides of bins with an approved insecticide.

Bin dry wheat if possible at 12 to 12 ½ % moisture.

Move air through the grain to reduce temperature any time that is possible until the grain temperature is below 50 F. Consider installing automatic fan controllers.

If you use an insecticide applied to the grain, make sure it is labeled for that purpose. If you use a grain dryer do not apply insecticide before the grain moves through the dryer and until the grain has cooled after exiting the dryer.

Check your grain regularly. At a minimum look in the hatch and use your nose to perform a “sniff test” to detect out of condition grain. Insect traps can be a good indicator of problems if you will learn to use them. Do not wait until delivery time to look for insects. That is often too late for any remediation.

For the full story check Kentucky Pest News #1198 at:http://www.uky.edu/Ag/kpn/kpnhome.htm