EMMETSBURG, Iowa — Today’s technology can use computers, cell phones and applications (apps) to run much of our lives. Grain drying and management has new programs that can match grain bins to specific fans to provide specific performance for each. As the knowledge grows, it is important to sift out the grain from the shaft in terms of what parts of technology are applicable for your farm, which will help you make wise decisions to improve your bottom line.
It is August and we are less than 60 days from corn harvest, yet the co-ops still have corn on the ground. To manage corn, we have to plan to store it for longer and longer times, which becomes tricky during the hot, humid conditions of late summer.
I am planning to offer an Advanced Grain Management program at the ISU Extension and Outreach – Palo Alto County office (2008 10th Street, Emmetsburg) on Sept. 4 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The cost is only $25 and will include all needed materials.
The Advanced Grain Management program will help producers understand and predict the individual performance of each bin. Topics will include:
Drying corn;
Warming or cooling grain;
How much propane or electricity is used;
Is natural air going to save money or is propane cheaper;
At what moisture can a system safely dry and store your crop;
What is my weak link in the system that needs upgrading first and second?
Last year many farmers harvested wet corn late hoping to dry it this spring, but March and April were not good drying months and May left no time to cool it down to 40 degrees, which is where it stores well. Don’t let that happen to you again this year.
If you are interested in taking your grain management to the next level, call Angie at 712-852-2865 to reserve your spot in the program.
— Kris Kohl, Agricultural Engineering Specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
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