Storage management
The following articles are categorized as 'Storage management'
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Set up the ideal storage system for canola
What is the ideal bin for canola? How do I know when to start the fans and shut them off? Do I need bin monitoring cables? Is my aeration fan strong enough? Can I put canola in bags? Industry experts will help you answer these questions and many more at the hands on Canola Storage Clinic at the Keystone Centre in Brandon on February 28.
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Warm spells put stored canola at risk
With a warm winter, the central core of a bin may not freeze. It may take just a few warm days to get canola core temperatures rising again. A stretch of warm weather in February and March could make stored canola unstable and lead to unexpected heating
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The air is cooling. Are your bins?
As the outside air cools, air cycles within the bin tend to concentrate moisture at the top of the central core. (See the image below.) This is a good place to check first when probing for temperature spikes. If you have any suspicions, take out one third of the bin and feel the canola to make sure it’s cool. Heated canola produces a distinct odor, so smell can also be a good indicator of spoilage occurring.
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Bag storage is a short term solution
Early results from the first year of a University of Manitoba research study showed that canola at less than 10% moisture can be stored in bags for 10 months without damage, while canola at 14% moisture spoiled badly in that time. Until we have more results under a wider range of conditions, we encourage caution to make sure bagged canola is safe.
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High oil, high green = higher heating risk
For every 1.0 percentage point increase in oil content, canola should have 0.1 percentage points lower moisture for safe long-term storage. For example, if canola with 40% oil is safe at 8.5% moisture, then canola with 45% oil should be stored at 8% moisture.
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Leave the fans ON!
A lot of Prairie canola is in a serious storage situation. A crusher has already received one load of 2011 canola with 18% heated kernels. The canola was combined only three weeks ago and was binned dry — but at 30 C or more. Excess heat is dangerous. The Prairies have had two heat waves during this harvest and some regions are forecast to hit 28 C again this week.
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Canola stored hot can spoil fast
Canola harvested hot last week should be on aeration to cool it down. In one case, canola that went into the bin at 35 C and 6% moisture had climbed to 39 C and was starting to smell within a week. Dry canola is not safe if binned hot.
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Cool those bins of hot canola
Canola harvested during this week’s hot weather has to go on aeration to cool it off — even if the seed moisture levels are “dry.” Canola at 10% moisture is at risk of spoilage when put in the bin at 20 C. At temperatures of 25 to 30 C, the spoilage risk is that much greater. Even at 8% moisture, canola is at risk if not cooled down immediately after storage.
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Condition hot canola immediately
Canola combined in hot temperatures needs to go on aeration immediately, even if the canola is dry. Canola isn’t safe at high temperatures, especially if green seed counts are elevated or if there is dockage in the sample.
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