Grain Bin Monitoring: Its Importance and How to Do It Right
The Importance of Proper Grain Bin Monitoring and How to Achieve It
In order to achieve the very best quality grain a rigorous grain bin monitoring system needs to be in place. A proper monitoring system prevents the grain from spoiling, helps to identify potential hazards, and ensures that the grain can achieve its maximum value. In this article, we examine the importance of proper grain bin monitoring and explore the equipment that can help to achieve it.
Why Proper Grain Bin Monitoring is Critical
Using the right tools and equipment modern farmers can easily monitor their grain storage bins effectively and efficiently. Before we examine the specific equipment that helps, it’s worth understanding why grain bin monitoring is so important and a critical part of the grain farming process.
Pest Control
Pests, including insects and rodents, are the bane of grain storage. If they gain access they can destroy or consume the grain, plus what grain is left will be of reduced quality and value. With proper grain bin monitoring, farmers are able to quickly detect and control pest outbreaks before the grain suffers significant damage.
Track Moisture Levels
Moisture is another factor that significantly impacts both the quality and the value of the stored grain. Grain that gets too moist begins to spoil, seriously damaging the value of the grain. Typically this happens when the grain is stored in too high humidity or the grain drying process was inadequate in the first place. Grain can also attract moisture through cracks and leaks in the storage structure.
At the other end of the spectrum, grain can also lose value if it gets too dry. Without a low level of moisture, the grain becomes brittle, breaks, and loses value. This typically happens when humidity is too low, or the grain dried out too quickly.
Seeing as there are issues at both ends of the dryness scale, moisture levels within the bin need to be tracked accurately with proper bin monitoring.
Prevent Fungal Growth
Fungi, such as molds, yeasts, and others, can run havoc in stored grain in the right conditions. When the fungus spreads through a stockpile the grain becomes discolored, slimy, and unappealing, and can release mycotoxins that are harmful to both animals and humans if consumed.
Through proper grain bin monitoring, farmers can track dryness and ventilation, which both limit fungal growth if kept in the right zone. Excess moisture is the breeding ground for mold, and keeping this to a minimum is an important step in slowing mold growth.
Source: Canva
Avoid Seed Germination
When seeds germinate the value of the stored grain is significantly reduced, alongside the quality of the grain. Germination occurs when the grain gains moisture, warmth, and is exposed to light (or a combination of these). Once a seed germinates it loses viability as a seed and is less attractive to buyers.
With proper grain bin monitoring, farmers can avoid germination. They can track moisture, temperature, and even light levels within the bins. Keeping the grain stored within appropriate levels will reduce the chances of germination.
Prevent Steam and Crop Adhesion
Steam becomes a problem when grain becomes moist and begins to heat up. Steam is generated and this leads to the grain becoming stuck together or adhered to each other. This makes it far harder to remove from the bin and sometimes requires breaking or shattering which dramatically reduces the value of the grain.
Crop adhesion has a similar outcome but often happens when the grain is too dry and brittle. This also makes the grain stick together and causes the same issue as steam. Monitoring the temperature and moisture levels within the bin can stop this from happening.
Advanced Types of Grain Bin Monitoring Equipment to Keep Crops Safe
There are incredibly advanced pieces of grain bin monitoring equipment available to the modern farmer. With the right system design, worrying about crops can be a thing of the past. The most advanced systems allow you to keep crops safe without even having to visit a bin in person.
Temperature Sensor Cables
Temperature sensor cables are installed in the grain bin, they can run down the sides of the bin or can be suspended within the grain itself. They are connected to a monitoring system that displays the temperature recorded by the cables in real-time. Cables are excellent at detecting hotspots within the grain.
Moisture Sensor Cables
Working in the same way as temperature sensor cables, moisture sensor cables accurately detect the moisture levels within a bin in real-time. By using a network of cables, you’re far more likely to detect moisture spots within the bin, especially as moisture levels will vary through the bin.
CO2 Sensors
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a great indicator that there could be a problem with stored grain. As grain spoils, or becomes infested with pests, CO2 is released. This happens even more so as grain begins to decompose. Therefore, monitoring CO2 allows farmers to quickly spot when an issue might be arising and take action before things get worse.
Crop Level Meter
Crop level meters are simple but effective tools in bin management. They simply measure the volume of the crop within the bin and track it over time. Unexpected rises or decreases in the crop level can signify issues with the bin. Furthermore, tracking the crop level allows farmers to keep a detailed inventory of their stock.
Source: Canva
Fan Automation
Automated fan systems allow farmers to circulate the air inside the bin remotely in order to maintain the optimal temperature and humidity levels for the grain. Automation may turn on or off the fans based on when the bin’s level changes or when another system (such as temperature or moisture sensor) indicates fans are required.
Active Alarm Systems
Alarm systems are typically connected to all of the equipment listed above. If readings reach a worrying level the alarms will sound meaning farmers can take rapid and effective action. Active alarm systems can alert farmers at the site or remotely through an alert to a smartphone.
Track Your Grains With Your Smartphone
With the right physical system in place, and the appropriately matched grain management system software, all of the above can be easily monitored and controlled remotely through your smartphone. Readings, levels, and statistics are all displayed in a simple-to-understand format.
Key Takeaways
Grain bin monitoring isn’t just a nice to have. It is an essential part of grain farming. Without it yields are weakened, hazards can arise, and whole crops can be lost. Employing a robust system means higher quality and more profitability.
Many systems work in tandem and should be installed together.
If you’re investing in a quality physical system it makes sense to pair it with a digital software system that compliments it.
Interested in seeing what a full grain management system looks like? Explore the products and services that Wall Grain has to offer.