Sam McNeill, Extension Agricultural Engineer, University of Kentucky
The delay in wheat maturity and concern for late planting of double crop soybeans provides motivation to consider drying wheat this spring. When to start harvest will depend on the drying system, with typical ranges shown in Table 1. Operators with little experience should start at low moisture levels and ramp up as they gain experience. Use a moisture meter to check grain conditions in the field and during drying, and dry to 13.5 if holding for a few weeks or 12.5% when holding through the summer. Drying air temperatures should be limited to 140 o F for food grade wheat and 110o F if used for seed.
The delay in wheat maturity and concern for late planting of double crop soybeans provides motivation to consider drying wheat this spring. When to start harvest will depend on the drying system, with typical ranges shown in Table 1. Operators with little experience should start at low moisture levels and ramp up as they gain experience. Use a moisture meter to check grain conditions in the field and during drying, and dry to 13.5 if holding for a few weeks or 12.5% when holding through the summer. Drying air temperatures should be limited to 140 o F for food grade wheat and 110o F if used for seed.
