Boosting the efficiency of on farm storage

The challenge

On-farm storage capacity has doubled over the past ten years with growers now able to store 41 per cent of their production capacity on average. This expansion is likely to continue as Australian grain growers strive to maximise the quality, marketability and value of their grain.

While storage systems can deliver long-term cost benefits, they require significant infrastructure investment and can add complexity across the supply chain. Without appropriate storage management skills, growers can quickly see the economic benefits disappear.

Effective pest management is especially critical to the economic viability of grain storage as there is a zero tolerance for pests in grain sold off-farm. Without the appropriate preventative measures and, where necessary, correct identification and treatment of pests, growers may see their competitive advantage of on-farm storage slide.

The response

In recognition of this, GRDC extension activities have been focusing on equipping growers with the knowledge and skills to prevent and manage pest incursions through hygiene, aeration cooling and correct fumigation.

The GRDC is currently investing $1.2 million annually in the Improving On-Farm Grain Storage Management Practices through Technical Training project – an extension of the GRDC Stored Grain Project.

In the two years leading up to July 2020, the GRDC Stored Grain Project delivered 221 workshops to more than 5700 growers, advisers and industry personnel across Australia.

These activities have been supported by a suite of printed and electronic resources including the Stored Grain information hub, a 1800 hotline (1800 WEEVIL), a GRDC GrowNote manual, app, GRDC instructional videos, GRDC factsheets, booklets and media activities. These resources provide growers with easily accessible expert advice on the latest grain storage research outcomes and recommendations.

The impact

According to the 2021 GRDC Grower Survey, on-farm grain storage has jumped to its highest level in 17 years with 90 per cent of farms storing grain.

As the nature of grain storage investment is long term, so too is the knowledge and practice change time-frame.

Growers require up-to-date, regionally specific information and training to maximise value-adding opportunities and reduce fumigation costs. By adopting best practice management, growers can also preserve the life of the most cost-effective fumigant for on-farm and bulk handler stored grain, equating to a saving of up to $2.60/t depending on the season and market.

Northern New South Wales grain grower Jason Rogers operates a farm north of Moree and has attended several GRDC Stored Grain workshops to keep informed about industry best practice.

“The workshops and information resources offered by the GRDC through the Stored Grain Project are an invaluable way of keeping up to date with the latest information,” Jason said.

“It’s given us a better understanding of pest behavior and habits which is critical if we are going to continue managing them effectively.

“Grain storage is a significant investment and has implications for the quality and marketability of our grain so it’s important that we get it right in terms of temperature, moisture and pest management.”

Another NSW grower, who recognises the business benefits of a well-designed and managed grain storage system is Hillston district grower Tim Watson from Sunland Agriculture.

He said advice from industry experts involved with the GRDC’s Stored Grain Project had significantly improved the effectiveness of his operation’s pest management program.

“Historically we’ve had issues with weevils in stored grain and were open to advice on improving the effectiveness of our pest control measures,” Tim said.

“After hosting a grain storage field day, we engaged contractors to come and reseal all our silos and we’ve since installed an additional seven cone-base sealed silos. Sealed silos, along with good hygiene practices and dryacide treatments (a diatomaceous earth that dehydrates insects) are critical if we are to successfully manage stored grain pests like weevils.

“Grain storage is a key part of our business. It enables us to manage product segregation and have greater control over the marketing of our grain so it’s vitally important that we do it well.”

Download the full case study (PDF).