Managing Stored Grain to Preserve Quality and Value

Managing Stored Grain to Preserve Quality and Value

By Carl Reed

This unique book is written specifically for those in grain operations and addresses the full range of topics related to maintaining the quality of grain stored on the commercial scale. It demonstrates how science-based information can be incorporated into grain storage operations to increase efficiency and decrease the risk of grain deterioration. Written in layman�s language, it will be comprehensible to every reader regardless of academic background.

The focus of the book reflects the author�s many years of research experience in farm bins and grain elevators, in addition to his extensive contact with grain operations� professionals, both on the job and in the more than one hundred storage meetings he has conducted. The text was reviewed by grain industry leaders to ensure that it speaks to the information needs of real grain handlers and by leading scientists to ensure the accuracy of the information.

This book will not duplicate any book on your shelf -- it does not merely summarize the information already available to grain operations personnel. Rather, the text guides the reader to the existing publications before proceeding to information not available elsewhere. Topics covered include: grain quality factors and terminology; grain insects and molds; physical processes affecting stored grain; grain sampling and monitoring; sanitation in grain elevators; aeration management; grain dryer management; and bulk grain fumigation.

This resource will be of use to grain handlers, grain storage managers, grain elevator managers, bulk handlers, and grain merchandisers. It will also be an excellent teaching tool for courses in Agricultural Systems Management, Transport and Distribution - Grain Handling, Grain Processing, Feed Manufacturing, Grain Drying & Storage Systems, Grain Storage, Flour Milling, Applied Entomology, Applied Mycology, and related areas of study.

Published by AACC International; 2006; 8� Χ10� softcover; 243 pages; 74 color illustrations, 4 black and white illustrations; (4 lbs.)

Contents
Introduction

Grain Quality Factors: Grain Value; Grain Uses and Value; Grain Structure and Nutritional Quality; Evaluating Grain Quality

Physical Processes in Grain Storage: Handling Equipment; Storage Bins; Weight Distribution in Grain Masses; Flow Patterns; Segregation by Particle Size; Mechanical Damage; Grain Moisture; Air Currents

Insects of Stored Grain: Classification; Ecology; Insect Identification; Life Requirements and Capabilities; Anatomy of An Infestation

Grain Molds: Microorganisms; Types of Grain Molds; Characteristics and Requirements of Storage Molds; Kernel Infection and Damage; Mold Infection in Market Grain; Effect of Storage Molds on the Nutritional Value of Grain; Detecting Mold Growth in Commercial Storage; Controlling Grain Mold

Monitoring for Grain Quality, Grain Condition, and Pests: Grain Sampling; Laboratory Equipment forGrain Grading; Principles of Sampling and Sample Analysis; Monitoring of Grain Temperature; In-Place Grain Sampling forQuality Monitoring

Sanitation in Grain Storage: Sanitation for Purposes of Safety; Sanitation to Control Grain Contamination; Sanitation for Pest Control

Aeration: Objectives and Benefits; Aeration Hardware; Common Aeration Systems in Elevator Bins; Characteristics of Air Under Pressure; Quotes for New Aeration Hardware; How a Cooling Front Forms; Cooling Time and Fan Management; Understanding the Physical Processes Of Grain Cooling; Use of Aeration Systems as Grain Dryers; Efficient Cooling Strategies

Grain Drying Strategies: Grain Drying Hardware; Drying Basics; Visualizing the Drying Process; The Drying Plan; Unconventional Drying Techniques

Grain Fumigation: Pesticide Regulation; Contact Insecticides; Fumigation

Index