Workshop's Goal Is Successful Grain Storage

High prices have lured farmers across Alabama into growing wheat this year – with acreage reaching a 27-year high. With the increased acreage comes a greater interest in storing grain on-farm to save time during harvest and to lock in the best sales price. Professionals with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System agree that this could be a profitable strategy if farmers take steps to maintain grain quality and handle grain safely.

Dr. Kathy Flanders, an Extension entomologist, says not paying attention to these basics could exact a heavy toll, both in terms of farmers

Doug Trantham, a Calhoun County farmer, says preparing the grain bin before filling and proper attention to the grain while it is in storage are crucial.

"You can put in $8 or $9 dollar a bushel wheat in June and if you have not done things correctly, you will be pulling out $2 a bushel feed wheat by the end of the summer," says Trantham.

Brian Glenn, chair of the Alabama Farmers' Federation Wheat and Stored Grain Commodity Group, agrees with Trantham.

"I used to say a full grain bin was like money in the bank. But it

Posted by lawremc at May 7, 2008 01:00 PM | TrackBack