Getting Grain Bins Ready For Harvest Season – Ag Matters

There's always something needs doing on the farm.  While it's sometime before harvest season, now is the time to get grain bins ready for the next crop.   The most recent scouting report from Cornell Cooperative Extension gives some tips on preparing .

The report credits, Michael J Buschermohle at The University of Tennessee with these sensible tips aimed at reducing disease, insects and rodents transferring from the old crop to the new crop..

•Removing old grain from all machinery and equipment that's part of harvesting, transporting and storing grain.
•Removing any spilled grain and weeds around bins.
•Inspecting grain bins cracks, loose or missing bolts, rust and corrosion or holes.
•Removing all debris from fans, ducts and exhaust vents.

While pesticide applications inside the bin are also suggested, it's noted that they're a waste of time and money if proper cleaning and maintenance aren't done before hand.

You'll find more sensible tips like this; "to help make inspecting the bin easier, place a light inside the bin after dark and inspect from the outside for any cracks" and the latest crop conditions at CCE's website.

SOURCE:  Cornell Cooperative Extension