Grain protectants can be applied to grain for protection against insect infestation – they are not allowed to be used in Western Australia. In recent times, two new products have become available for on-farm use. K-Obiol Combi and Conserve On-farm For more information, click on the names of each product.
How can I use grain bags successfully?
Grain bags can be a successful form of short-term, on-farm storage. The key is to set up the storage site appropriately and check the bags regularly to minimise losses as a result of damaged bags. For more information see ‘Successful storage in grain bags’
What does aeration cooling do?
Aeration cooling creates cool, uniform conditions throughout the grain to preserve grain quality, restrict or prevent mould growth and slow or stop insects breeding. Mould and insect development is slowed at temperatures below 200C and most insects stop reproducing at temperatures below 150C. Unlike aeration drying, aeration cooling can be achieved with airflow of 2-3 […]
Can I use aeration to dry grain in storage?
Aeration that provides more than 15 litres of air per second, per tonne of grain can be used to reduce grain moisture content by a few percent. The risk of using less air (smaller fans) is that moisture will be pushed partway up through the grain but not all the way out the top of […]
Where do insects come from and how do they travel?
Intermediate studies have shown insects can generally be found in vegetation areas, barns, sheds, spilt grain and hay stacks. Some species can fly over 5km, other means of travel include on machinery. The best time to clean-up around storages to prevent insects being attracted is during the cooler months of the year before they become […]
How can I deal with insects in gain bags?
Grain could be transferred into a gas-tight, sealed storage for fumigation or in some cases it is possible to fumigate in the grain bag. Fumigating in a grain bag requires a precise application method in a completely sealed bag and a fan must be used to ventilate the gas following the fumigation. For more information […]
What alternative fumigants are available?
ProFume® and VaporMate® are available alternatives to phosphine, however they can only be applied by a licensed fumigator. Carbon dioxide and nitrogen are ‘controlled atmosphere’ alternatives to phosphine which can be done by anyone providing they have access to the required equipment and knowledge. All of these alternatives require a gas-tight storage for successful control […]
If phosphine is not working what do I do?
1) The first thing to check is that the silo is gas-tight, ie that it meets at least a three minute, half-life pressure test. (Check before filling and when full as the weight of the grain can open gaps around the bottom slide plate.) 2) Check the application rate is enough to treat the entire […]
What type of rubber and sealant is best for sealing silos?
Polyurethane based rubbers and sealants should be used for sealing silos. Silicon based products can potentially contaminate the grain. Look for a rubber with a strong memory, that is one that springs back to its original shape after being compressed.
What’s the difference between a thermosiphon and active recirculation?
The theory of a thermosiphon is that it uses ambient temperature differentials to slowly move air in a pipe between the head space and the bottom of the silo. Active recirculation uses a fan in a sealed system to circulate the air from the bottom to the headspace of the silo. The application chamber where […]