Research Guides Growers Investing in Grain Storage Aeration

A recent study by the GRDC National Grain Storage Extension Team highlights a vital insight: relying on theoretical models for aeration fan performance isn’t enough — real-world testing is critical. Research involving backpressure and flow testing showed that fans with identical motor specifications performed very differently under typical storage conditions. In practical terms, at a backpressure of around 300 pascals (a level you’d encounter in around 100 tonnes of grain), airflow varied dramatically—from just 120 liters per second to as much as 360 L/s—depending solely on the fan’s impeller and housing design.

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Making the most of ageing silos

As silos age, growers face a crucial decision: repair, retrofit, or replace. The first step is always safety. Grain Storage Specialist Chris Warrick advises that growers begin by checking whether the silo is structurally sound. Cracked or tilted bases, rust on critical joints, or weakened bolts and sheets can all compromise safety and increase the risk of collapse. Faulty hatches, ladders, and access points also need to be addressed to protect workers.

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Fumigant resistance: small victories in an unrelenting battle

As insect resistance to phosphine continues to climb across both on-farm and bulk storage, growers face a constant challenge: how to slow resistance while protecting grain quality and market access. Recent GRDC-supported resistance monitoring shows a slight dip in strong phosphine resistance this year, but the overall national trend remains upward, with about 30 per cent of pests now showing strong resistance—well above the 10–15 per cent level considered manageable.

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Changing storage practices may lead to an improved falling number

New research supported by GRDC and led by Agriculture Victoria scientists Dr Cassandra Walker and Dr Pankaj Maharjan suggests that on-farm storage practices may play a role in lifting the falling number of wheat after harvest. Their work showed that wheat samples with a moderate falling number (200–300 seconds) could increase by up to 50 seconds during 24 weeks of storage, often moving them above the key 300-second benchmark. High-range samples above 400 seconds continued to improve until plateauing at around 36 weeks, while low-range samples showed little change.

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Kondinin Group Sealable Storage Report

The latest Kondinin Group sealable storage report is here! Building on the 2022 review of grain silos, this updated report provides fresh insights, performance comparisons, and practical guidance for growers considering on-farm storage options.

The new findings highlight key changes in silo performance, sealing effectiveness, and best-practice recommendations to help growers make informed decisions when investing in grain storage infrastructure.

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Seeds need cool, dry conditions, no matter the variety

As investment in on-farm storage grows, new research shows why it is critical to maintain wheat seed in cool, dry conditions

Agriculture Victoria research scientist Dr Cassandra Walker was not surprised that her study into the impact of storage conditions found that wheat seed viability declined at higher temperatures.

But what did strike her was the significant role that moisture plays, and in particular the difference in viability between grain moisture levels of 11 and 14 per cent.

“We studied two moisture levels – the upper end of what is considered safe at 11 and 14 per cent – and clearly there’s a tipping point between them where grain viability is lost,” she says. “So moisture content has a big part to play, as well as temperature, in germination potential. You can preserve grain viability for longer with lower moisture levels.”

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