Post-Harvest Grain Quality: What to Check Before Winter Storage
As harvest winds down and bins start to fill, it’s easy to feel like the hardest work is over. But in reality, protecting grain quality through the winter is just as important as getting it off the field. Even small issues with moisture, protein, or kernel condition at harvest can snowball into bigger problems once grain is in storage.
Here are the key quality factors to keep an eye on and why they matter for long-term storage of Canadian Western Red Spring (CWRS) wheat, oats, soybeans, and red lentils.
1. Moisture Content
Moisture is the single biggest risk factor in storage. Grain that goes into the bin above safe storage levels is more likely to heat, spoil, or even sprout during warm spells.
CWRS: Even slightly high moisture can trigger heating, which not only damages protein quality but can also lead to grade loss.
Oats: Their lighter density makes them especially prone to moisture migration and spoilage.
Soybeans: Susceptible to cracking and quality loss if dried unevenly.
Lentils: Can quickly darken and lose marketability if moisture isn’t controlled.
2. Protein and Test Weight
While protein and test weight don’t change in storage, damage caused by improper conditions can impact how buyers assess them. Mould growth, heating, or insect damage can all lower the effective quality of otherwise high-protein wheat or heavy oats. Protecting these characteristics starts with clean, dry storage.
3. Splits and Mechanical Damage
Every time grain is handled, there’s potential for kernels to crack or split.
Soybeans: High oil content makes cracked beans prone to faster spoilage.
Lentils: Splits can increase over time in storage, especially if bins aren’t aerated properly.
Managing handling systems and minimizing unnecessary movement helps preserve grain integrity through the winter.
4. Sprout Damage
Late-season rains or snow at harvest can increase sprouting risk, especially in CWRS. While sprouting stops once grain is fully dry, sprouted kernels in the bin can drag down overall grade and those effects don’t improve with time.
Why This Matters Now
Monitoring these factors isn’t just about avoiding spoilage. It’s about protecting value. Once grain is in storage, farmers have limited chances to correct problems, so it’s critical to know what you’ve got. Grain that’s properly monitored and maintained is easier to market and more likely to meet grade expectations when it’s finally delivered.
Automated grading technology makes it easier to track these quality indicators right from harvest. Instead of guessing what’s in each bin, farmers get immediate, accurate insights they can use to adjust storage plans and avoid surprises at delivery.
Want to see how automated grading can help protect your grain quality this winter?