In what conditions can grains be safely stored?

The last couple of weeks have seen a mixture of hot, dry conditions and cooler, wet days. The changing field conditions bring up the question: how to make sure the grain is safe to store?

The charts made by Canadian Grain Commission are great tools to estimate grain spoilage risks and find ways to minimize it.

Safe Storage Guidelines - Canadian Grain Commission

Safe storage chart for barley

For barley, spoilage occurs when the initial temperature ranges from 5°C to 20°C with respective moisture from 18% to 10% moisture content.

Safe storage chart for wheat

For wheat, spoilage occurs when the initial temperature ranges from 0°C to 28°C with respective moisture from 18% to 10% moisture content.

If the initial grain temperature and moisture falls in the spoilage zone, cool or dry the grain until the temperature of moisture content falls into the no spoilage zone. 

Additional resource: Number of safe storage days - wheat

Source: Crop Talk Manitoba 51:12

Use the above chart as a reference for the number of safe storage days of wheat. This is especially the case if the grain is in temporary storage (such as grain bags). Closely monitor the grain and time the move and grain drying accordingly.