Grain Monitoring Systems: A Modern Solution For Old Problems
Are Grain Monitoring Systems Worth The Hype?
More and more farmers are looking to modernize their grain storage with grain monitoring systems. It’s now completely possible to monitor and evaluate grain completely remotely. You can track and analyze temperature, moisture and levels, plus you can install technical systems that act if anything looks to be going in the wrong direction.
Why Invest In Grain Monitoring Systems?
Grain bin monitoring systems are something of a no-brainer for farmers serious about protecting their stock. Yes, they can be expensive initially but the long-term benefits of investing in a comprehensive system far outweigh the preliminary costs.
These systems work in a way that provides accurate, often real-time data on the condition of any grain stored within a monitored bin. This data can then be interpreted and used to make informed decisions on grain storage. Farmers and facility managers using grain monitoring are far better equipped to decide when it is best to move or sell grain without an intense amount of physical work. In fact, many of these decisions can be conducted remotely, without even having to visit the bin itself.
The majority of grain monitoring systems track temperature and moisture levels, including the ability to spot moisture or heat pockets within the stored grain. Keeping on top of these issues ensures that the grain is of the highest quality and lowers the risk of detrimental factors such as mold or germination. These systems, when combined with physical tools, such as seed handling equipment (or their grain counterpart) leads to a fully modernized farming environment.
Source: Canva
Types of Grain Monitoring Systems
Monitors come in a variety of styles but suffice it to say that technology has advanced incredibly over the last few years. Monitoring systems are adaptable to your requirements and when designed correctly, you’ll be able to keep crops completely safe and at the highest level of quality.
Temperature sensor cables: Grain monitoring systems rely heavily on temperature sensors in the form of cables. These cables are placed strategically within the grain storage bin, either running down the sides or suspended within the grain itself. The cables are then linked to a monitoring system that displays temperature readings in real-time, allowing farmers and facility managers to detect any hotspots within the stored grain.
Moisture sensor cables: Functioning in the same way as above, rather than temperature these cables detect moisture within the bin.
CO2 sensors: A CO2 monitoring system is a great indicator of larger problems. CO2 is released within bins when grain spoils or is infested with pests. A rising CO2 level alert typically leads to issues being detected before they get out of hand.
Crop level meter: These meters simply measure the amount of grain in the bin. In the best situation, this never changes, but should you notice a steady drop in the crop level, chances are there are issues with pests within the bin. These meters help detect issues such as that but are also great for stock monitoring.
Fan automation: Ventilation is key to good grain management, but controlling fans manually can be a complicated task. An automated fan system, that turns on at specific times or according to certain variables is a brilliant solution that increases efficiency and reduces manual tasks.
Smartphone alerts: The most advanced systems will have a dedicated app alongside the physical system. This app allows you to monitor and track your grains remotely from your smartphone. They also regularly have the option to enable emergency alerts should there ever be an issue within one of the monitored bins.
Added Benefits of Grain Monitoring
The most sophisticated of grain monitoring systems go a step forward beyond simple monitoring and bring a level of automated management to your grain bins. Using the measurements taken from the monitoring equipment, your system could automatically dry or hydrate the grain to the right level, or increase or decrease the temperature in the bin.
The beauty of systems such as this is the opportunities that it opens up. With high quality, perfectly stored grain, the modern farmer is able to dictate when they choose to sell the grain. That means they can extend contracts and leverage the best market rates at a time that best suits them.
Source: Canva
Are Grain Monitoring Systems Worth It?
There’s no hiding from the fact that grain monitoring systems are an impressive but potentially overwhelming addition to modern farming. Considering that grain has been monitored manually up until now, there’s always likely to be some skepticism over the benefits and if it actually works. After all, it’s a lot of trust being put into an automated system.
One of the biggest issues that farmers have with these systems is the cost. On paper, these systems certainly do look expensive. Prices do vary based on the size of the system, a typical 40,000 bushel bin could be set up with a simple system for around $4,000 whereas larger bins will require more technology and will cost considerably more.
Many farmers simply want answers to questions that they might feel a grain monitoring system simply wouldn’t be able to handle. Can you really monitor your grain from another state? What can the system do if an issue arises? Could you install these modern grain storage systems in old bins? The answers are almost always positive. It’s important that these questions are answered, but don’t see them as potential roadblocks.
Grain Monitoring Systems and ROI
The price of grain has seriously affected the necessity and viability of these systems. Back when corn was $7 a bushel, farmers were more willing to take the hit if their corn was downgraded and they received say $6 a bushel. Now that corn is closer to $3 a bushel, you simply can’t afford to be downgraded, you need to guarantee that your crop is as good as it gets. That requires a monitoring system.
Historically, people were able to determine the quality of the stored grain manually. They knew their bins inside out and could do without a monitoring system.The issue with that is that manual checks are still being applied to far larger bins. These larger bins are different beasts, that require different processes, the grain within them acts differently and manual monitoring isn’t going to cut it.
The majority of these systems tend to deliver a return on investment (ROI) within 2 to 3 years. Most farmers see that as an acceptable speed of return. More often, however, systems pay for themselves when they save crops that otherwise would have been lost or downgraded to the bare minimum.
Final Thoughts
Grain monitoring systems are certainly growing in popularity, but they’re also growing in necessity. There’s no denying that the old ways remain popular, but for farmers looking to expand their operations, deliver the best, most profitable product, and increase efficiency, modern grain monitoring solutions, such as those from Wall Grain, are the way forward.
Simple systems won’t cost the earth and are a great place to start.
Most grain monitoring systems return their investment within 2-3 years.
Modern farming is quickly going to see these as a requirement rather than a nice to have.
If you’re toying with the idea of implementing your own grain monitoring system, or you’d like to see how you can upgrade the one you have in place already, then contact the experts at Wall Grain and discuss your needs today.