Summer temperatures will warm stored grain and could lead to insect infestations and mold growth. NDSU Extension Agricultural Engineer Ken Hellevang says farmers need to make sure the moisture content is at the right levels. “We were able to store grain at a little higher moisture content this winter, but we need to make sure we’re at summer moisture storage levels.” The average corn moisture level is between 13-14 percent moisture, soybeans are 11-12 percent. Hellevang says grain at the top and sidewalls are the most likely to suffer insect damage. “Try to keep the grain as cool as possible. Temperatures below 70 degrees and insect activity slows down.”
