Springfield, IL – As harvest season winds down across Illinois, agricultural experts are urging farmers to take extra precautions when storing grain for the winter months.
According to the University of Illinois Extension, proper storage is essential to maintaining grain quality and maximizing profits through the marketing season. Corn and soybeans, the Midwest’s dominant crops, are especially vulnerable to temperature and moisture fluctuations during long-term storage.
Reagen Tibbs, an Extension commercial agriculture educator serving central Illinois, emphasized the importance of monitoring grain bins throughout winter. Recommended steps include ensuring adequate aeration, maintaining proper temperature and humidity levels, and routinely checking for signs of spoilage.
“Storing grain isn’t as simple as filling the bin and leaving it,” Tibbs noted. “It’s about managing safety and quality from the moment the crop leaves the field until it’s delivered to the elevator.”
Producers are also encouraged to review resources such as the Smart Winter Storage for Central Illinois Grain guide and the Handling Out-of-Condition Grain site, both available through the University of Illinois Extension.
With colder weather already sweeping across the region, experts say now is the critical time for farmers to inspect bins and prevent costly losses.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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