NORTHERN "AG" EXPOSURE

by Mark Miller
Rolette County Extension Agent

WINTER GRAIN STORAGE MANAGEMENT

Grain should be cooled to about 25 degrees for winter storage to limit moisture migration and control insect problems. Insects in stored grain can be killed if this temperature is maintained during  winter storage.

Grain in storage needs to be checked to be properly managed. Check for indications of moisture such as grain crusting or condensation on the bin's roof, and smell for musty, moldy odors. But just this is not adequate. It is essential to use a probe to collect samples from various locations.

Check and record the grain temperature at several locations in the bin. Both the temperature and trend in temperatures are important; both mold growth and insect activity will cause the temperature to increase.

Check the grain moisture content. The reading must always be adjusted based on the grain temperature, but remember that the moisture content reading is inaccurate at temperatures below 40 degrees. It is best to check the moisture content of collected samples after the grain has been warmed to room temperature.

Warm the grain in an air-tight container, such as a plastic bag, to prevent the moisture content from changing during warming. Also check the samples for insects after they have warmed to room temperature. Placing the grain on a white background will make it easier to see the insects. Cooling the grain to about 25 degrees is the best way to control the problem if insects are found.

Make sure all openings in the bins, such as vents and ducts, prevent snow from getting into the bin. These openings need to be there to allow air flow during aeration, but may be closed once aeration has been completed. Fans should be covered when they are not operating.

LACEY & LEGACY ADDED TO LIST OF RECOMMENDED MALTING BARLEY VARIETIES

The American Malting Barley Association, Inc. (AMBA) works closely with state, federal, and private sector breeding programs to develop new recommended varieties with improved agronomics for growers and quality profiles that meet the needs of our industry. To help growers plan for the next growing season, AMBA moved up its decision making process for  Lacey and Legacy and has added these varieties to its recommended list of malting barley varieties. Lacey (M98), a six-row developed at the University of Minnesota, was rated satisfactory in its first year of plant scale evaluation with 1999 crop production, with brewing evaluations by AMBA members Anheuser-Busch, Inc. and Miller Brewing Co. Miller Brewing Co. has completed a second year of evaluation with the 2000 crop, rated it satisfactory, and requested that Lacey be added to the AMBA recommended list. AMBA has acted on this request and has added Lacey to the recommended list.

Anheuser-Busch, Inc. has not completed its second year of evaluation of Lacey with the 2000 crop to determine suitability for their brewing process and may require a third year of testing with the 2001 crop. Anheuser-Busch, Inc. currently has no plans to utilize Lacey commercially since their testing is not completed.

Legacy (B2978), a six-row developed by Busch Agricultural Resources, Inc. has completed two years of satisfactory plant scale brewing trials by Anheuser-Busch, Inc. and they have requested that Legacy be added to the AMBA recommended list. AMBA has acted on this request and has added Legacy to the recommended list. Miller Brewing Co. rated Legacy satisfactory in a first year of plant scale brewing trials with the 2000 crop and will be testing the 2001 crop to determine suitability for their brewing process. Miller Brewing Co. currently has no plans to utilize Legacy  commercially since their testing is not completed.

DRUMMOND UPDATE

Drummond (ND15477), a six-row developed at North Dakota State University, was rated satisfactory in a first year of plant scale evaluation by Miller Brewing Company with the 1998 crop. A second year of evaluation by Miller Brewing Co. with the 2000 crop should be completed by December and if found to be satisfactory, it may be added to the recommended list at that time.

Drummond is being tested in a first year of plant scale brewing trials by Anheuser-Busch, Inc. with the 2000 crop, and a second year with the 2001 crop. If Drummond is recommended in December, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. does not have plans to utilize it commercially since their evaluations are not complete.

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Updated October 19, 2001 Shelley Armstrong ,Webmaster