What’s ‘in store’ for your crop? With harvest round the corner, thorough store preparation is essential to maintain grain quality and ensure specifications are met.
AHDB has created a one-stop shop for information on best storage practice. Download here
It can be used to help growers and storekeepers reduce the risk of grain spoilage, and prevent loss of premiums through claims and rejections.
First published in 1999, the guide has been updated several times to take account of advances in grain storage.
Key information from the guide has been used to create the following handy checklist, which can be used in the run-up to harvest to ensure grain stores are fit for purpose.
1. Ask
If using multipurpose or rented buildings for storage, chemical residues may be present from previously stored crops, such as potatoes. Certain chemicals may permeate building materials and have a persistent presence over long periods of time, leading to contamination of stored grain. Ask about the history of the store and take samples of the building fabric to test for residues.
2. Check
Ensure the store is weatherproof, sealed against rodent entry and well ventilated. Check and repair roof and guttering, ensure doors are well sealed and protect external fans. Place secure, commercially approved bait boxes outside the store to avoid encouraging vermin to enter.
3. Clean
Store hygiene is important for eliminating fungi, insects and mites – even small quantities of grain from previously stored crops can provide a food source. Stores should be cleaned thoroughly before intake using an industrial vacuum cleaner to clear debris and an appropriate food-approved disinfectant/sanitiser. Pay particular attention to conveyor systems, machinery including combine harvesters and harder-to-reach areas of the store.
4. Monitor
Place insect traps in corners and at wall/floor junctions around the store and check them weekly. If insects or mites are found, eliminate the source of infestation using additional hygiene measures or, if widespread or persistent, consider applying an approved pesticide to the fabric of the building.
5. Sample
Determine moisture content and temperature of grain immediately after harvesting with a calibrated moisture meter. Under certain conditions of temperature and moisture content, fungal growth may occur rapidly and may lead to the production of the mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA). Fungal growth and insect and mite development can be reduced at lower temperatures and moisture contents.
Our Harvest Toolkit page includes the latest mycotoxin information, as well as useful guidance to help growers avoid the most common problems associated with cereals and oilseed sales contracts. Download here
