Digging Deeper Into Grain Handling Solutions

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Whether you’re starting a farm or making your current one better, one thing you need to plan well is your grain handling. After all, when you have the proper grain handling solutions, you’ll have more successful farming operations. And that means knowing and investing in correct grain management once you’re done harvesting your crop is important so your farm can profit. 

Keep reading for some of the best practices and methods for grain handling that can help you optimize your farming operations and get returns on your investment.

What Is Grain Handling?

Grain handling generally refers to the different activities that involve the storage, transportation, and processing of grain crops. This term is also used to talk about the equipment and processes used to harvest, dry, clean, store, and transport grain, and even about the management and monitoring of these activities.

Grain handling is important so all your harvested grain can be stored, processed, and transported efficiently and safely. Without the proper grain handling practices, your grain will be subject to contamination and spoilage.

Types of Grain Handling Solutions

Looking for a more specific description or method of how to handle your grain properly? In no particular order, here are some basic solutions for storing and processing your grain. These pieces of equipment may be expensive, but they’re definitely built to last! 

Grain Storage

One of the first things you need to be concerned about is storing your grain properly. That’s to ensure that your grain is preserved well after harvest. You should have a storage system that will keep your grain dry and ready to be sold immediately.

There are plenty of grain bins to choose from, but make sure to get one that is easy to access for inspection and monitoring purposes. It is also recommended to get storage made of galvanized steel so that your grain is protected from harsh elements at all times.

Don’t scrimp on this. Not investing in high-quality will lead to your grain spoiling easily, which means lost profits for you since you won’t be able to sell them.

Loading And Unloading

Another thing that should be on your checklist is a way to get the grain inside and out of your grain storage easily. Get a portable auger–it’s probably one of the easiest ways to get the grain in the bins.  Make sure it can reach really high and can carry a lot of weight so that you’ll be as efficient as possible without interrupting any of your usual operations.

As for getting the grain out? Well, it would be nice if your storage bins had their own built-in augers or unload system at the bottom. All you have to do is line up your truck bed to the hole, activate it, and catch the grain as the bin empties out. 

Of course, you can also use your loading auger, but it would be better if you had another auger exclusively for unloading. That way, you can extend the life and integrity of your equipment.

Sweeps

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So what happens when you empty out one of your bins and wait for the next batch of grain? Well, you’ll have to sweep it out. And if you do it manually, or send one of your workers to do it, take note that it can actually get pretty dangerous. You or your worker might experience dust explosions or inhale hazardous gasses.

Thankfully, you no longer need to do that. Sweep systems now come with most bins. Just activate it, and you can easily clean up the storage before you load it again with new grain. Cleaning will ensure that there are no residual materials or old grain that will be mixed in with the new one–that might contaminate the new batch completely!

Aeration

Ensuring the quality of harvested grain during storage is crucial to maintaining its value. While good storage practices are essential, having a built-in aeration system can provide even greater benefits. Typically composed of grain dryers and fans, an aeration system can effectively cool and dry the grain, preventing damage from mold and mildew. A well-designed system should also provide even drying throughout the storage bin, minimizing the risk of inferior quality in some parts of the grain.

Spouting And Flow Valves

Spouting is a vital component of a commercial grain handling system. In fact, it can make or break the entire operation! That’s because the right type of spouting is needed for efficient grain distribution. There are different sizes and shapes to choose from–it really depends on your personalized needs.

The same goes for flow valves. They play a crucial role in controlling the rate and amount of grain flow. A properly fitted flow valve can protect grain from leakage, restriction, or contamination, leading to improved profits and return on your investments in equipment.

Bucket Elevators

Bucket elevators are vertical grain handling equipment that is used to move the dry grain. They’re made of galvanized steel and rubber belts with spaced buckets attached directly into the belt. The grain flows into the buckets at the base and is lifted to the top wheel where it's then discharged. 

The design is an effective way of moving your grain, and it has low energy requirements. However, its open design also leads to unwanted dust accumulation inside each bucket, as well as possible mixing and contamination of dust and your grain.

Conveyors

Conveyors have been used for a long time to move materials in bulk. Today’s modern conveyor systems now have lower energy requirements, better sanitation, and need less maintenance. They’re even better at controlling the dust now. 

There are many kinds of conveyor systems, such as chain conveyors, belt conveyors, and pneumatic conveyors. Choose one that again will fit your needs by considering the type of grain you need handled, how far you’re going to take your grain, the weight of the grain, and how fast you need your production to be.

Grain Monitoring

A grain monitoring system uses various sensors and technologies to give you real-time information on the condition of your stored grain. You’ll be able to detect and prevent issues like spoilage, pest infestation and moisture problems. 

You can choose from different types, each with its set of features and benefits. For example, one has temperature cables, while another type has moisture sensors. Choose a system that you think will fit your needs best, and one that you’re sure will keep your grain storage in optimal condition.

Key Takeaways

Proper grain handling is important for storing, processing, and transporting grain crops efficiently and safely to avoid contamination and spoilage. And with plenty of grain handling solutions now available to you, it’s not difficult to end up with high-quality grain that you can sell for plenty of profit. 

• When looking for storage, always get one made of galvanized steel so that it’s sturdy enough to stand against the harshest of weather conditions.

• You have plenty of options for grain handling solutions–just get those that will meet your needs.

• Make sure to purchase your equipment only from proper grain handling equipment suppliers so that they’ll last for a long time.

And speaking of proper suppliers, Wall Grain is one of those. Message us today so we can present you with our available grain handling solutions.