The stored grain extension team have put together some key resources on setting up and storing grain in bunkers. Rather than re-invent the wheel, useful information resources from commercial suppliers of bunker tarps and equipment has been included.
Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for health and safety when fumigating with phosphine.
The phosphine label mandates the use of a full-face respirator with a combination particulate (P1) and phosphine gas cartridge filter along with elbow-length rubber gloves to comply with label requirements.
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.
Research from the GRDC Grain Storage Extension team has revealed a safer and more effective way to apply diatomaceous earth (DE) in empty on-farm silos. DE, a flour-like dust made from fossilised aquatic organisms, works as a non-chemical control by dehydrating insects through abrasions to their waxy coating.
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.
Australian growers are steadily lifting the standard of on-farm grain storage. In the past 15 years, average capacity has almost tripled – from about 850 tonnes in 2009 to more than 2450 tonnes in 2024. This growth reflects the importance of storage as part of the farming business model: capturing market premiums, smoothing harvest logistics, and safeguarding grain quality.
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.
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.
In this episode of the GRDC podcast, Chris Warrick from the Stored Grain Extension Team shares the most important steps growers can take to protect grain quality and reduce storage risks.
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.