Grain Storage Systems in Tennessee and Alabama Charles Patrick, UT Kathy Flanders, Alabama Cooperative Extension System

Upright Grain Bins • • • • • More wheat and corn produced in 2008 On-farm storage increased 50% or more in 2008 New grain bins of usually >25,000 bu, much larger than older bins (<10,000 bu) Producers willing to hold grain longer Lack of knowledgs of the problems that may occur

Upright Bins 2008 44,000 bushel size

Grain Bag Systems • • • • • Grain Bag systems new to Tennessee First year usage was 2007 Average bag holds 7,500 bushels grain Several producers stored wheat in 2008 Bags made from 10 mil plastic

Grain Bagger

Potential Problems with Bags • • • Not safe from animal damage Potential leakage of water into bags Cannot aerate once bagged

Bag System Using Insect Probe

Placement of Probes

Sealing off Probe

Bags • • Insecticide treatments may be needed Bagged wheat in Tennessee was treated with Storcide II to prevent possible insect problems. There is less control over the grain stored in bags once sealed.

Equipment for Bagging • • Specialized equipment is required to bag grain with the bagging equipment. Costs are about $40000 for bagger and unloader. A couple of producers in Tennessee went in together to purchase the equipment. There is limited usage of this equipment at this time, however; it may be used more as time passes.

Bag Loading System

Results of the Bagging Demonstration • • • • • Wheat: Crockette County Bags Bag #1, #2, #3..

Temp(average)70.3F

Moisture(average)14.5% Insects(average)

Field Days and Workshops • • • • • Regional or Multi-State To help stakeholders store grain safely SLAM IPM program Fumigation safety Closed loop fumigation

Tennessee Valley Stored Grain IPM Workshop

Milan No-Till Field Day Russ Patrick discussing the bagging demonstration Jim Sharpe, DeGeschAmerica, talking about the importance of fumigation management plans

Precision Ag Field Day, NW Alabama Extension Agent Warren Griffith explaining the importance of stored grain IPM to the media

On-Farm Demonstrations in Alabama 2008 Closed Loop Fumigation Systems West Central, Northeast, and North Alabama