Be Careful Removing Crusted Grain from the Bin

Out of condition grain can crust inside of the grain bin. NDSU Extension Agricultural Engineer Ken Hellevang says if crusting happens, farmers should develop a game plan to remove it. “We really need to know about the history of what’s taken place in the bin and how did we determine there is a crust? If we’ve unloaded grain and there’s no inverted cone, there will likely be a void underneath. Keep in mind all of the recommended safety practices becomes critical in removing the crust.” Hellvang says attacking crusted grain will also depend on the size and scale of the facility. “People can use holes and other methods from outside of the bin to break things up. In doing so, there’s a danger of forming chunks of grain that then will become an impediment for grain flow. There’s no easy solution. It’s a matter of taking the crusted grain and physically removing it from the bin.” Here are some tips on safely working around grain bins. This farm bin safety reminder is made possible by the North Dakota Wheat Commission, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and North Dakota Corn Utilization Council.