Smart storage tools help promote grain quality and profitability

ASSUMPTION, Ill. — Effective grain management is key to overcoming summer challenges, helping farmers preserve grain quality while giving them the flexibility to sell when market conditions are most favorable.

“The latest smart storage technologies are taking that a step further, helping farmers monitor and manage conditions inside the bin in real time to better protect grain quality, reduce risk and increase marketing flexibility,” said David Ellis, GSI district sales manager in Illinois.

“These tools not only offer peace of mind, but also support stronger profit opportunities because farmers can hold grain longer and sell when conditions are most favorable.”

The summer months pose particular challenges for stored grain, such as mold, hot spots and insect activity.

Moisture is a critical factor — too much can cause spoilage, while too little can reduce test weights and hurt a farmer’s bottom line.

For farmers intent on holding on to grain, advanced grain monitoring systems can help maintain accurate moisture levels across an entire storage unit, reducing reliance on isolated test samples for decision-making.

For certain commodities, reducing humidity is key. For others, like soybeans, adding moisture may help preserve quality. Poor monitoring can lead to serious losses.

“Modern systems like GSI’s GrainVue system can actually rehydrate beans,” Ellis said. “We see farmers with beans at 9% moisture, and they are losing money when they’re that dry. With our system, we can adjust that humidity, pushing them to that more profitable 13% moisture level.”

To effectively manage grain quality during storage, Ellis said farmers can use monitoring systems compatible with both new and existing bins.

These systems often include carbon dioxide, temperature and moisture sensors that provide real-time data accessible via smartphone.

“This real-time technology allows farmers to make proactive decisions that help prevent spoilage,” Ellis said. “Automated fan controls, guided by integrated weather stations, adjust airflow based on grain moisture, humidity and temperature. This reduces the need for constant manual checks.”

With this level of precision, farmers can make smarter decisions to optimize profitability across the whole crop instead of relying on a small sample.

“In the face of unpredictable conditions, smart storage technology gives farmers greater control over grain quality and profitability,” Ellis said.

“With the right monitoring tools and automated systems in place, they can better protect their crop, reduce spoilage risk and make more informed marketing decisions.”