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Success with Natural-Air Grain Drying

Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org

Citation:  2008 Providence, Rhode Island, June 29 – July 2, 2008  084550.
Authors:   Robert C Hansen, Eli Troyer, Harold M Keener
Keywords:   Shelled Corn, Fossil Fuel, Electronic Controllers, Storage Bins, Ethanol, Propane

Use of natural air to dry shelled corn, soybeans and specialty crops offers an unusual opportunity for growers to participate in the green revolution and reduce the use of fossil fuels. Energy required and associated costs for natural-air grain drying (NAGD) are approximately one-third of that typically used for high temperature drying. The process minimizes or avoids the use of propane (which has tripled in price from $0.75 to $2.25/gal in two years) while depending on free energy that is available from natural air. Modern electronic controller technology can be used to control the NAGD process in bins and monitor the condition of grain in storage while avoiding wasteful overdrying. Earlier average planting dates along with high yielding full-season hybrids with fast dry down capability have lead to lower shelled corn moisture contents at harvest time thus enhancing prospects for NAGD to work successfully. Existing storage bins can be effectively equipped for natural-air grain drying for $1.00/bu or less if the bin already has a perforated floor, sump and unloading augers installed. Ethanol plants typically store no more than 15 to 30 days of their production capacity. This implies on-farm storage capacity will have to expand. Maintenance of high quality corn for ethanol production through hot summer months will remain critical since pricing will continue to be based on No. 2 corn. Significant savings can be realized when 18% MC corn is harvested and stored over winter for animal feed without drying. Whether corn is stored for export, ethanol or stored and fed to animals, benefits will accrue for growers who take advantage of NAGD and associated electronic controller technology.

 

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© 2008 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers