Managing Stored Grain to Preserve Quality and Value addresses the full range of topics related to maintaining the quality of grain stored on the commercial scale. It demonstrates how science-based information can be incorporated into grain storage operations to increase efficiency and decrease the risk of grain deterioration.

The book is written in nontechnical language. Topics covered include:

• grain quality factors and terminology
• grain insects and molds
• physical processes affecting stored grain
• grain sampling and monitoring
• sanitation in grain elevators
• aeration management
• grain dryer management
• bulk grain fumigation

Contents

1. Grain Quality Factors

• Grain Value
• Grain Uses and Value
• Grain Structure and Nutritional Quality
• Evaluating Grain Quality

2. Physical Processes in Grain Storage

• Handling Equipment
• Storage Bins
• Weight Distribution in Grain Masses
• Flow Patterns
• Segregation by Particle Size
• Mechanical Damage
• Grain Moisture
• Air Currents

3. Insects of Stored Grain

• Classification
• Ecology
• Insect Identification
• Life Requirements and Capabilities
• Anatomy of An Infestation

4. Grain Molds

• Microorganisms
• Types of Grain Molds
• Characteristics and Requirements of Storage Molds
• Kernel Infection and Damage
• Mold Infection in Market Grain
• Effect of Storage Molds on the Nutritional Value of Grain
• Detecting Mold Growth in Commercial Storage
• Controlling Grain Mold

5. Monitoring for Grain Quality, Grain Condition, and Pests

• Grain Sampling
• Laboratory Equipment for Grain Grading
• Principles of Sampling and Sample Analysis
• Monitoring of Grain Temperature
• In-Place Grain Sampling for Quality Monitoring

6. Sanitation in Grain Storage

• Sanitation for Purposes of Safety
• Sanitation to Control Grain Contamination
• Sanitation for Pest Control

7. Aeration

• Objectives and Benefits
• Aeration Hardware
• Common Aeration Systems in Elevator Bins
• Characteristics of Air Under Pressure
• Quotes for New Aeration Hardware
• How a Cooling Front Forms
• Cooling Time and Fan Management
• Understanding the Physical Processes Of Grain Cooling
• Use of Aeration Systems as Grain Dryers
• Efficient Cooling Strategies

8. Grain Drying Strategies

• Grain Drying Hardware
• Drying Basics
• Visualizing the Drying Process
• The Drying Plan
• Unconventional Drying Techniques

9. Grain Fumigation

• Pesticide Regulation
• Contact Insecticides
• Fumigation

Index

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