Protect grain from the heat Check grain every two weeks during
the summer, advises Ken Hellevang, North Dakota State University
Extension grain specialist. Mold growth and insect infestations
occur rapidly this time of the year. An insect infestation can
go from only a few bugs to a major infestation in less than a
month. • Extra management is needed to store grain over the
summer. • Aim to keep grain cool to slow mold and insect growth.
• Cool grain at the top of the bin every two to three weeks. He
offers the following six tips on checking and managing stored
grain in the summer: • Use insect traps or place grain samples
on white material to aid in looking for insects. • Measure the
stored grain temperature at several locations near the top
surface, along the walls and several feet into the grain.
“Temperature sensors are an excellent tool, but remember that
they only measure the temperature of the grain next to the
sensor,” he says. “Since grain is an excellent insulator, the
grain temperature may be much