Commercial grain elevators have larger capacity than most individual on-farm facilities, yet some farmers choose to hold their grain in their own storage bins. Prior to harvest, sanitation of machinery, bins, fans and aeration systems is an early step to ensure quality corn and successful storage. 

In the fall, corn is typically harvested at the lowest practicable moisture content to avoid, if possible, the necessity of additional mechanical drying. Machinery settings at harvest are adjusted to minimize grain damage and maximize the removal of trash and broken corn and foreign material (BCFM).

Once the corn reaches the bin, farmers dry it down, if necessary, to 14 percent moisture with the use of an aeration system that moves warm or cool air depending on conditions. Iowa corn farmer Dennis Friest stressed this is vital in order to store and maintain quality corn.

“This is the level (14 percent moisture) where corn stores best,� he said. “At this percentage, the grain won’t go out of condition.�

The corn in the bins is monitored for the duration of the storage peroid, which can range from three to nine months depending on marketing plans. A combination of visual inspections, sampling and the use of sensors and monitors helps to maintain the proper temperature and moisture inside the bin.

Weather changes throughout the storage period dictate management of the bins. When the temperature drops, grain is cooled in the bins to the outside temperature. Likewise, during the warmer months, grain is gradually warmed to the outside temperature to avoid condensation.