By Andi Anderson
A one-day Grain Conditioning School focused on improving stored grain quality is scheduled for March 11 at Iowa State University’s Kent Feed Mill in Ames, Iowa.
The program is designed for row crop farmers, landowners, grain handlers, and manufacturers involved in grain storage and conditioning.
The school will provide practical training on key grain conditioning concepts, including planning grain bins and using weather data to support storage decisions.
Participants will learn how sensors and mobile applications can help with aeration scheduling, detecting hotspots, and hydrating grains such as soybeans and corn. These practices aim to help operators reach proper moisture content, regain shrink loss, and protect overall grain quality.
The training will also cover fan sizing, aeration requirements, and strategies to reduce grain spoilage. By combining classroom instruction with hands-on activities, the school will allow participants to apply new knowledge directly within a working grain storage facility.
“This school includes a combination of hands-on training, lectures and discussions and problem-solving using feed mill grain storage facilities,” said Kapil Arora, field agricultural engineer with ISU Extension and Outreach. “By attending this school, participants will be able to plan and schedule aeration and understand and utilize sensor and weather data to minimize bushels lost to shrink and poor grain quality.”
Registration is required and limited to 48 participants to ensure a strong learning experience. The registration fee is $100 per person if paid by March 4. After that date, the fee increases to $125 if space remains available. Registration includes meals listed on the agenda, break refreshments, and presentation materials.
The event will be led by a team of grain storage and engineering experts, including Dirk Maier, professor and director of Iowa State’s Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex, along with Kapil Arora, Kris Kohl, Tony Mensing, Younus Sabbir, and George Obeng-Akrofi.
The Grain Conditioning School is sponsored by several industry partners, including Shivvers, SYNK powered by Sukup, Tri-States Grain Conditioning, AGI Digital, and Brock Grain Systems.
The event aims to support better grain management practices and improve long term grain storage outcomes.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-studio2013
Categories: Iowa, Crops, Education, Harvesting, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety