The amount of time before spoilage begins depends on grain moisture content and air temperature. A safe rule of thumb is to hold freshly harvested corn in carts or trucks no longer than 12 hours. Warm air temperatures > 800F, and higher grain moisture levels are the most critical factors for decreasing the time required for the grain to spoil.
Check the moisture content of each load of grain as it is placed in the drying bin. There can be some variation in moisture content, but you need to know the average moisture content of the bin to determine the minimum necessary air flow needed and the allowable depth of grain in the bin.
Monitor the moisture content of corn daily. Corn must be cooled to avoid nighttime condensation on the inner walls. If the heat has been on long enough for the complete mass of corn to be warmed and the weather is clear and dry with humidity below 60%, turn the heat off when the moisture content of the corn drops to within 1% of the target moisture content. Continue running the fans, and the residual heat in the grain will finish the drying process.
Our mobile grain dryer will supply the most professional help for your grain drying.
