The GRDC Grain Storage Extension Team are often asked what tools and equipment aid grain storage management and where they can be sourced.
This catalogue is a reference of useful equipment with examples of where they can be sourced.
Dust exposure is a common but often overlooked safety risk in grain storage operations. Watch as Chris Warrick and Ben White from the GRDC Grain Storage Extension Team discuss the importance of choosing the right dust masks, respirators, and eye protection when working around grain storages, silos, and sheds. Learn when to use P2 and P3 dust masks, the benefits of full-face respirators, and how sealed safety goggles help protect against airborne dust during grain handling, storage cleaning, and compressed air use.
Learn how to apply Diatomaceous Earth (DE) for effective grain storage hygiene in silos, flat-bottom silos, and grain sheds with Ben White and Chris Warrick from the GRDC grain storage extension team. They demonstrate practical DE application methods using leaf blowers, homemade venturi systems, PVC fittings, and traditional blowback guns. Discover how to achieve even DE distribution, calculate the correct application rate, improve insect control in stored grain facilities, and safely treat storage structures with proper PPE.
Grain storage specialist Chris Warrick explains, as a structural treatment for empty grain storages, DE (Diatomaceous Earth) is far more effective than lime.
Grain storage specialists Chris Warrick and Ben White explain the recommended application of diatomaceous earth to empty grain storage facilities for stored grain insect management.
Can Diatomaceous Earth (DE) dust be applied in sheds using leaf blowers and achieve adequate surface coverage? This trial found that with fine-tuned application techniques, coverage extended to all areas within the shed, meeting the intended objective.
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.
Evaluating Application Methods for Diatomaceous Earth in Grain Storages
Originally published as Development Activity 2024-3 | Project Code: PRB2011-001SAX
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is an important structural treatment used to control storage pests in empty silos. This development activity compared dry application methods for distributing DE in both cone-bottom and flat-bottom silos, aiming to identify approaches that achieve the most uniform coverage across all silo surfaces.
Key Findings:
The 18v battery blower and petrol-powered leaf blower, used with a venturi attachment, provided more uniform distribution of DE than the benchmark compressed-air BloVac gun.
In the flat-bottom silo, ground-level application via access door resulted in consistent DE coverage at all levels – offering a safe and effective method.
Venturi-assisted delivery created a finer, more stable dust cloud, improving reach to upper silo sections.
Longer application time increased air circulation and dust suspension, enhancing coverage.
Recommendations:
Use battery or petrol-powered blowers with a homemade venturi (ideally a “Y” fitting with a half-diameter suction pipe) for optimal distribution.
Apply DE from ground level while moving the blower nozzle regularly to target all areas.
Maintain dust circulation during and after application to reach higher wall areas.
Future Work:
Further trials should refine blower application techniques and explore the use of DE in grain sheds.
Download the full report: Diatomaceous Earth Application – DA 2024-3 (PDF)
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a proven solution for pest control in grain storage, but its effectiveness depends on uniform application. Recent research highlights that battery-powered and petrol-powered blowers with venturi attachments deliver superior distribution compared to traditional compressed-air methods.
Protecting your harvest from insect threats requires diligent control and precise fumigation practices. In GRDC’s article, Insect Control and Effective Fumigation Help Guard Your Harvest, the focus is on strategies to enhance biosecurity and preserve grain quality. Key points include:
Fumigation Best Practices: Effective fumigation techniques are critical for eliminating pests while safeguarding the crop.
Biosecurity Measures: A strong biosecurity approach helps prevent insect infestations before they become a threat.
Integrated Pest Management: Using a combination of methods, including proper storage and sanitation, can minimize pest risks.
Stay informed on the best methods to protect your harvest and ensure grain quality