Turning Grain in Storage

Grain turning or recirculation is the movement of grain from one bin to another bin - preferably empty. This may be an emergency measure necessitated by rapid increase in temperature of say 20 degrees Celsius indicated by the temperature monitoring system or programmed operational procedure during which grain is moved from one bin to another once say every six months.

• The essence of grain turning is to discover the cause of temperature rise if any as well as to monitor and visually monitor and ascertain the quality of the grain.
• During turning the grain is inspected, samples are drawn for quality assessment, the grain is cleaned, cooled, blended and fumigated as it moves to the receiving bin.
• Grain turning must be undertaken carefully to minimise expenses resulting from damage due to grain breakages and other indirect costs.
• The silo operator completes the grain turning forms and updates the bin/stock cards accordingly.