Storing grain, step by step

1. What grain needs

Grain is not dead goods: the germ breathes, and moulds and insect eggs are waiting for warmth.

1. Dry grain — Grain for storage holds no more than 13–14 % moisture, seed 12–13 %. Above 14 % the risk grows week by week.
2. Cool — As close to 5–15 °C (41–59 °F) as possible, without sudden swings. Below 15 °C insects barely breed, and below 10 °C (50 °F) they almost stop.
3. Dry air — Air around the grain below roughly 65–70 % humidity, with no drips or condensation.
4. Closed and clean — No leftovers from last year, no rodents, birds or dust. Otherwise infestation passes from old grain to new.

Why: All of this runs faster when it's warm and damp, and almost stops when it's cool and dry. A store doesn't have to be expensive, but it must meet four conditions.

• When you don't know where to start, start with a thermometer-hygrometer with min/max memory, roughly £8–20 ($10–25).
• Put it at the height of the stock, and keep a long thermometer or a metal rod next to it for measuring the middle of the heap.

2. Grain and air moisture

Dry grain is like a sponge: it takes up water from damp air.

1. Grain takes up moisture — At 75 % air humidity wheat slowly reaches 14.5–15 %, and moulds start.
2. Pallets, away from the wall — Concrete and earth draw moisture up from below. Containers go on pallets, 10–15 cm (4–6 in) off the floor and 20–30 cm (8–12 in) from the wall.
3. Roof and condensation — One drip from the roof a week, always in the same spot, makes a mouldy nest.
4. Not in the cellar — A root cellar runs at 85–95 % humidity for potatoes and cabbages. If you have nowhere else, keep grain only in airtight containers, raised off the floor, and check it every month.

Why: Grain that was at 13 % in August can be at 15 % in February if it spends the whole winter in a damp outbuilding or cellar. Where the air is damp, grain cannot stay dry.

• Warm grain in a cold container sweats on the surface: store grain once it has cooled.
• In summer, don't open cold containers until they have warmed up.

3. Temperature and moisture migration · Locked

Buy the Storing grain module and you get the PDF to download and print, plus lifetime access to this interactive lesson: all 6 chapters, 24 steps.

4. Who eats your stock · Locked

Buy the Storing grain module and you get the PDF to download and print, plus lifetime access to this interactive lesson: all 6 chapters, 24 steps.

5. Before storing · Locked

Buy the Storing grain module and you get the PDF to download and print, plus lifetime access to this interactive lesson: all 6 chapters, 24 steps.

6. Inspection and safety · Locked

Buy the Storing grain module and you get the PDF to download and print, plus lifetime access to this interactive lesson: all 6 chapters, 24 steps.