Natural hydration of stored grain to be addressed in the school

A one-day school aimed at improving the quality of stored grain is scheduled for March 11. This event will take place at Iowa State University’s Kent Feed Mill, located at 1873 State Avenue, Ames. Row crop farmers, landowners, grain handlers and manufacturers involved in grain storage and conditioning are encouraged to attend.

The school will provide training for stakeholders on grain conditioning concepts, planning and the use of weather data. This includes using sensors and apps for aeration scheduling, detecting hotspots and hydrating grain (soybeans and corn) to achieve appropriate moisture content to regain shrink loss, as well as determining fan sizing and aeration requirements.

“This school includes a combination of hands-on training, lectures and discussions and problem-solving using feed mill grain storage facilities,” said Kapil Arora, field agricultural engineer with ISU Extension and Outreach. “By attending this school, participants will be able to plan and schedule aeration and understand and utilize sensor and weather data to minimize bushels lost to shrink and poor grain quality.”

Registration is required for the event and is limited to 48 participants. The fee is $100 per participant if paid by March 4, and $125 after if space is available. Registration includes meals listed on the agenda, break refreshments and presentation materials. To register and for more information, visit the Grain Conditioning School Website.  

Questions regarding registration can be directed to ISU Registration Services at 515-294-6222 or registrations@iastate.edu.

The event will be led by Dirk Maier, professor and director of Iowa State’s Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex, along with Kapil Arora, Kris Kohl, Tony Mensing, Younus Sabbir and George Obeng-Akrofi.

Questions regarding the school can be directed to Kapil Arora at 515-291-0174 or pbtiger@iastate.edu, Tony Mensing at 641-743-8412 or tmensing@iastate.edu, or Kris Kohl at 712-732-5056 or kkohl1@iastate.edu.

This event is sponsored by Shivvers, SYNK powered by Sukup, Tri-States Grain Conditioning, AGI Digital and Brock Grain Systems.