The upcoming end of financial year opens some opportunities for growers to make strategic purchases for on-farm, but if one of those purchases is a new silo, there are some key factors to consider.
Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries senior development agronomist Philip Burrill said silos are a serious investment and one that is destined to be in use for 25 years or more, so growers should check out the information available from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).
“The GRDC has an excellent grain storage website (www.storedgrain.com.au) which provides useful buying guides, as well as management information,” he said.
“A good starting point is to look for a manufacturer that can guarantee their silo will meet the Australian Standard AS2628.
“The GRDC extension team, researchers and industry worked for many years to establish this silo sealing standard. It ensures growers are able to identify new silos designed and built to a quality standard to enable effective fumigations when required.
“This is absolutely crucial as it allows growers to store grain for long periods, confident that when storage pests are detected grain can be fumigated,” he said.
When fumigation gases are used to kill pests, the storage being treated must be able to hold a given concentration of gas for a specified length of time.
“In unsealed structures the fumigation gas is lost rapidly, resulting in poor pest control,” Mr Burrill said.
“At best, some adult insects may be killed, but resistant adults, most of the pupae and egg stages survive.
“This allows the infestation to continue with more adult weevils and beetles emerging.
“I also recommended you look for a silo that is easy to clean once it is empty. Look at the internal design, such as walls, aeration ducting and perforated flooring.
“Is it going to trap grain residues?
“Insect pests will live and breed in residues left in silos.
“This allows newly harvested, clean grain to be rapidly infested.
“Discuss aeration cooling with the silo manufacturer.
“Consider seeking specialist aeration fan advice to ensure appropriate fans are fitted, capable of delivering two - four litres of air per second per tonne.
“Aim to achieve effective grain cooling on the full range of grain types you store.
“Ensure internal fan ducting provides an even air distribution and roof venting does not inhibit fan performance,” he said.
While aeration cooling will not reduce grain moisture significantly, it will provide uniform moisture conditions in the grain bulk.
This will prevent moisture migration and lower grain temperatures.
By providing cool, uniform conditions throughout the storage, growers will reduce pest problems, mould growth and help maintaining grain quality.
- Visit: www.storedgrain.com.au/silo-buyers-guide.
