As spring temperatures increase, the Canola Council is encouraging growers to check their bins for signs of possible seed deterioration. With canola prices at record levels, leaving a 4,000 bushel bin valued at over $50,000 dollars unchecked is a big mistake.

"We are concerned that as temperatures start to rise through April and May, reports of spoilage and seed damage will also increase," says Canola Council agronomy specialist David Vanthuyne. "That sort of quality loss doesn't need to happen.

Vanthuyne explains that in spring when the sun warms the outside of the bin, warm air moves up near the outside wall of the bin and down through the centre of the grain mass. The cooler canola in the centre of the bin re-absorbs moisture, creating a damp and warm area prone to rapid spoilage.

"That's when you need to monitor the seed more regularly", Vanthuyne says. "This area of the bin can favour the growth of storage moulds and eventually the seed may become damaged."

Aeration is the most effective way to stabilize temperature and moisture within a bin. At the very least, he advises growers to take out some of the canola from the centre of the bin. "That way," he says, "you'll interrupt any increase in temperature and moisture in the central core."

Vanthuyne says if moisture and temperature are properly maintained, it's possible to store quality canola seed for two to three years.

“The best approach is to stabilize the bin temperature between 10 to 15 degrees Celsius as summer approaches”, advises Vanthuyne. This becomes even more critical with large storage structures which tend to be at greater risk for heating.

For more information in your area, contact:

Derwyn Hammond, Manitoba: 204-729-9011; David Vanthuyne, Eastern Saskatchewan: 306-946-3588; Jim Bessel, North Central & North Eastern Saskatchewan: 306-373-6771; Matthew Stanford, Southern Alberta & South Western Saskatchewan: 403-327-4832; Doug Moisey, East Central Alberta & West Central Saskatchewan: 780-645-3624; John Mayko, Western Alberta: 780-764-2593; Erin Brock, Peace Region: 780-933-0456.

Stored Grain Moisture Migration Spring and Summer

This press release is part of the Canola Council’s Crop Production extension program. The program is supported regionally by:Alberta Canola Producers Commission; Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission; Manitoba Canola Growers Association; Canola Council of Canada; Peace River Agriculture Development Fund; and B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries.