Harvest strategies for managing grain quality, safety risks and storage challenges

The 2025 growing season brought extreme variability across the Midwest, from drought-stressed fields to waterlogged crops and bumper yields. During the busy harvest season, these diverse conditions create unique grain quality challenges and grain safety risks for farmers, their grain elevators and ag retailers with grain storage.

The situation demands specific harvest strategies to protect both crops and the safety of anyone working to get them in the bin this fall. Adapting your approach to excess moisture in crops, drought-damaged crops or bumper crop yields is crucial for a successful, safe season and to avoid costly losses at the farm or ag retail location.

Managing excess crop moisture at harvest

Many Midwest regions experienced above-average rainfall, leading to excess moisture in crops. High-moisture grain can cause issues like bridged grain and crusting in storage, which disrupt proper flow and create serious safety risks for workers. Additionally, prolonged drying times increase the chance of grain dryer fires, as most commercial dryers lack built-in fire suppression. And the accumulation of crop residue further exacerbates these risks, impeding grain flow and heightening fire hazards.

To help manage these hazards:

• Clean grain dryers religiously. Clean every 12 to 24 hours during high-moisture periods.
• Establish fire watch protocols. Assign team members to monitor dryer operations and post emergency contacts.
• Review emergency response plans. Collaborate with your local fire department for preparedness.
• Monitor storage conditions. Check bins daily for toxic gases, heating or odors and use temperature monitoring systems.

Handling and storing drought-damaged crops

Drought conditions create grain quality challenges like lightweight kernels, increased foreign material, and structural changes in grain. Drought-damaged or otherwise bad crops in grain storage also elevate the risk of mold and mycotoxin development.

To help handle drought-damaged crops:

• Modify equipment settings: Slow down combine ground speed and reduce rotor speed to minimize grain damage and cracking. Adjust cleaning systems for increased chaff and lightweight kernel management.
• Test for hidden problems: Conduct mycotoxin testing in grain. Even if grain looks acceptable, that testing will help with early detection, segregation and aeration for dry grain. 
• Plan storage carefully: Store drought-damaged grain separately and use bins with good aeration for dry grain. 
• Implement enhanced monitoring: Increase bin monitoring frequency to twice weekly for temperature and moisture.

Avoiding grain storage risks when time is tight

Fall harvest is always a rush on farms and at commercial grain storage locations. And when a big crop’s coming in from the field — especially in a hurry — it can stress grain storage capacity and tempt farmers and ag retailers to use unsafe or unsuitable temporary storage or overlook grain bin safety protocols.

Temporary grain storage solutions, such as ground piles, depend on specific site conditions to function effectively. Proper drainage and stable ground are essential, as poor site conditions can lead to significant issues. High grain volumes and quality variations also increase bin entry risks when grain flow is disrupted. Equipment can also be strained, leading to clogs.

To help manage temporary grain storage safely:

• Select sites strategically. Choose well-drained, stable locations for temporary storage.
• Use proper ground pile storage techniques. Ensure drainage, use covers with ventilation and monitor temperatures.
• Plan grain transfer operations. Monitor grain condition during transfers and prioritize moving at-risk grain first.
• Maintain quality control. Establish checkpoints for moisture, temperature, and visual quality during transfers.
• Address grain bin safety. Never enter bins alone; use a lifeline and trained observer.
• Implement lockout/tagout systems on equipment. For plugged sumps or bridged grain, use professional salvage services.

Successful harvest operations require maintaining grain quality and proactively managing risk to protect your people, operation and livelihood. Nationwide offers resources and support beyond traditional insurance for proactive risk management. 

Nationwide policyholders are encouraged to consult with their agent or contact Risk Management Solutions for direct support at RMSolutions@nationwide.com or 1-800-260-1356.