Grain storage - preventing crust

[Deleted User 923763]

We grow a small amount of feed barley (approx 60 acres) for own use. Have no drying facilities so either cut dry as possible or propcorned. Is stored in converted silage clamp good roof height, couple of bays (some years grow oats as well), with poured walls on three sides, and concrete floor. Last couple of years, whether propcorned or not, we get a hard/ but seemingly damp crust forming on top.

Any thoughts on what causes this, or what can we do to address, would some sort of pedestal or stirrer help? There is no forced air flow, shed is sheeted with roller door, but Dad insists on parking the handler in there so door is often open during day. Appreciate any advice. Thanks.

 

[Wombat]

Is there anything against the walls or is damp coming up through floor.

We store out barley in a steel bin inside a building and the door is always open and as long as its cut around 16% never an issue so don't thinly that would be it.

We do have a some tubes setup to blow air through if its a bit damp

 

[Deleted User 923763]

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Is there anything against the walls or is damp coming up through floor.

We store out barley in a steel bin inside a building and the door is always open and as long as its cut around 16% never an issue so don't thinly that would be it.

We do have a some tubes setup to blow air through if its a bit damp

Walls are just few years old poured walls, grain just straight against them. I do fear that it might be damp through the floor as you say. No big cracks or anything, but is the original silage shed floor, probably 40 years old concrete.

 

[bigw]

Sheet the walls with plastic will help too.

 

[DrWazzock]

Could be moisture sweating up through the heap and condensing when it meets cold air. Provided it's not above 16% it ought to keep if cool enough. Perhaps a portable blower good be stuck in here and there to pull any hot spots out. or,if there room in the shed shovel it about a bit on a cold day with the tele to even it out.

 

[Deleted User 923763]

Thanks for the advice all. Will try a combo of suggetstions and see how we go. Thank you.