GRAIN farmers around Australia are frustrated with fluctuating grain prices, following a mostly above average harvest season, according to the Grains Research and Development Corporation.
The group has warned farmers considering storing grain to increase their marketing and profit opportunities to monitor it carefully to protect their investment.
Grain Storage expert Peter Botta said monitoring stored grain was an absolute necessity, particularly in the warmer months.
“Some farmers get their grain into the silo and breathe a sigh of relief, but it does have to be carefully looked after in storage or you can do your dough, not to mention waste the efforts of harvest,” Mr Botta said.
“The key element to successfully storing commercial grain on farm is to protect your grain from insect and mould damage.
“This is particularly important where wheat and barley are taken into storage at high temperatures, and this season with possibly higher moisture levels.”
Mr Botta said the things to monitor included insect pests, grain temperature, grain moisture content and grain quality and germination.
“Pest traps and sieving are the most effective methods of detecting grain pests,” he said.
“Only use sampling methods that are safe.
“Take samples from the top (if safe) and bottom of storages to detect low levels of insects early.”
Mr Botta recommended sieving samples on a white tray, to make it easier to see small insects.
He said holding the tray in the sunlight warmed the insects and encouraged movement, making it easier to identify pests and estimate population numbers.
GRDC has a range of material and guides available to download at www.grdc.com.au or atwww.storedgrain.com.au
MAR
2012
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