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Source: Canadian Grain Commission
Safe storage guidelines
Producers can use the following charts to prevent spoilage of stored grain
How to use the charts:
- Measure the moisture content and temperature of your crop as it goes into storage.
- Plot this initial moisture content and initial temperature on the chart. If the result falls in the no spoilage zone, then your crop should store safely for up to 5 months, 6 months in the case of wheat. If it falls in the spoilage zone, spoilage will occur.
- Cool or dry the crop in storage until the temperature or moisture content put it in the no spoilage zone.
- The centre zone cuts off a 1% safety margin although spoilage may occur under these conditions.
- Be aware that the moisture content and temperature of a bulk may change during storage due to convection currents, leading to localized spoilage. Monitor the top- centre of the bulk regularly throughout storage or use aeration.
Charts
Graphs outlining potential risk of spoilage of various grain commodities base upon initial temperature and moisture content. As moisture content and/or temperature increase so does the risk.
Safe storage chart for barley
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Safe storage chart for beans
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Safe storage chart for canola
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Safe storage chart for flax
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Safe storage chart for oats
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Safe storage chart for peas
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Safe storage chart for wheat
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Safe storage chart for mustard
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