| Once grain is harvested, it must be stored | | | | ventilated, there is a greater chance that mold will |
| properly in order for it to remain intact and ready | | | | result and thrive during adverse weather |
| for market. Efficient grain storage systems have | | | | conditions. Not only will stored grains be seriously |
| been established to keep grains at peak levels so | | | | damaged but the health risks to workers increase |
| that they can be marketed when they are at | | | | substantially if mold or other toxic substances are |
| their best. Today's grain farmers utilize many | | | | present. |
| storage processes to assure that their grain | | | | In order to keep storage systems working |
| business remains profitable and safe. | | | | properly, the grain must be kept dry. This means, |
| Grain is usually stored in large facilities known as | | | | essentially, that the moisture content should be no |
| silos. These silos store the grain so that it | | | | more than 15%. In addition, as much debris as |
| germinates properly and stays fresh until it's | | | | possible must be removed before the grain |
| ready for market. Before entering the silo, the | | | | enters a storage bin so that mold doesn't build up |
| grain is sent to an area where it is cleaned | | | | from excess moisture. If the grain is stored |
| thoroughly. During this process, the chaff and | | | | outside rather than in a silo, it must be securely |
| other debris are removed before the remaining | | | | covered with tarps and stored up off the damp |
| grain is sent to a screen where drops into an | | | | ground. |
| elevator bucket. Then, the grain is taken up by | | | | In order for grain storage systems to keep grain |
| the elevator to waiting storage bins for further | | | | at its peak, they must be set up to handle grain |
| drying. Here it stays and is continually aerated | | | | with care from the time it is harvested until it is |
| during the entire storage period. | | | | sent to market. This means that these systems |
| Farmers must always be on the lookout for mold | | | | must be set up according to strict operating |
| in their grain storage facilities, especially during | | | | standards and follow all governmental safety |
| cold, wet weather. If a grain bin is poorly | | | | regulations. |