Controlling grain temperature and moisture are keys to maintaining quality stored grain.

Grain will spoil if the moisture content is too high. If grain is stored for up to a year, moisture content should be no greater than 14% for corn and 12% for soybeans, says David Shelton, ag engineer at the University of Nebraska.

“Farmers also need to control the temperature in grain bins by using proper aeration,” Shelton adds. “This helps keep grain cool and slows mold growth. Properly aerated grain will last about four times longer than non-aerated grain.”

Shelton recommends inspecting grain at least once a month during winter and every two weeks at other times.

For grain stored longer than a year, moisture content should not be greater than 13% for corn and 11% for soybeans, he says.

For more information on drying and storing grain, consult UNL Extension NebGuides G84-692, “Aeration of Stored Grain,” and G94-1199-A, “Management to Maintain Stored Grain Quality.” Check out the Web at http://ianrpubs.unl.edu/farmbuildings/g692.htm and http://ianrpubs.unl.edu/farmbuildings/g1199.htm.