What’s in Your Bin?
Nov 09, 2026
Jarod Lemper
Grain Division Manager
THIS YEAR HAS HAD many challenges relating to harvest. Hopefully by the time you read this article, we’ve completed the 2026 harvest and are well on our way with fall agronomy applications.
Maybe more than any other year, it’s critical you maintain the quality of your grain. Getting the crop in the bin is only half the job. Keeping it in the best condition until it’s delivered requires a little attention throughout the storage season.
It all starts with putting quality grain into a clean bin. Take time to clean out old grain, check for leaks and make sure fans and aeration equipment are working like they should.
Once the grain is stored, temperature becomes your biggest focus. Running aeration fans when conditions are right helps cool the grain and keeps moisture from building up in trouble spots. Make sure you’re aware of the time it takes to pass a layer of air through the entire bin; partial cooling in the fall or warming in the spring can create more issues that it solves. Cool grain also slows down insect activity and helps maintain quality longer.
Don’t forget to check bins regularly! This step can easily be forgotten during the winter months. A quick walk around every couple of weeks can help you catch problems before they become expensive. Keep an eye out for:
At the end of the day, good grain storage comes down to being proactive. A few minutes spent checking bins and managing aeration can help protect grain quality and prevent losses until it’s time to move grain to market.
Grain Division Manager
THIS YEAR HAS HAD many challenges relating to harvest. Hopefully by the time you read this article, we’ve completed the 2026 harvest and are well on our way with fall agronomy applications.
Maybe more than any other year, it’s critical you maintain the quality of your grain. Getting the crop in the bin is only half the job. Keeping it in the best condition until it’s delivered requires a little attention throughout the storage season.
It all starts with putting quality grain into a clean bin. Take time to clean out old grain, check for leaks and make sure fans and aeration equipment are working like they should.
Once the grain is stored, temperature becomes your biggest focus. Running aeration fans when conditions are right helps cool the grain and keeps moisture from building up in trouble spots. Make sure you’re aware of the time it takes to pass a layer of air through the entire bin; partial cooling in the fall or warming in the spring can create more issues that it solves. Cool grain also slows down insect activity and helps maintain quality longer.
Don’t forget to check bins regularly! This step can easily be forgotten during the winter months. A quick walk around every couple of weeks can help you catch problems before they become expensive. Keep an eye out for:
- Musty or sour odors
- Hot spots in the grain
- Crusting on the surface
- Insects or rodents
- Condensation under the roof
At the end of the day, good grain storage comes down to being proactive. A few minutes spent checking bins and managing aeration can help protect grain quality and prevent losses until it’s time to move grain to market.