Grain Drying

There are two methods of grain drying that will qualify for off-peak electricity rates to dry grain. Both methods will provide the member with lower grain drying costs, while producing higher quality grain. The two methods are as follows:

Natural Air Drying

Unheated air grain drying, often referred to as natural air-drying, makes use of the air's natural capacity for absorbing moisture. The fact that air with a relative humidity of from 60 to 70% will dry grain to moisture levels that is safe for long-term storage.

Once the drying process is begun, air is generally moved through the grain regardless of local weather conditions. Unheated air-drying is a slow process requiring from several days to a few weeks to effect complete drying of the grain. Actual drying time depends upon airflow and weather conditions. However, the risk of inadequate drying is minimal when equipment is properly sized, installed and operated.

Low Temperature Drying

Electric grain drying is a proven method in bins with air heated a few degrees above natural air temperatures. This can be achieved when daily temperatures average 50° F or less. A temperature rise of 3° to 5° F is often adequate. Because of the small amount of precisely controlled heat, energy efficiency is good and quality of grain tends to be higher than that of grain dried at higher temperatures.

Electric low temperature drying is a long-term drying process with fans generally operating continuously from the time wet grain enters the bin until grain is dry. This can take from 30 to 60 days, depending on the moisture content of the grain. Controlling the heat, either manually or automatically, based on the ambient humidity, can increase energy efficiency. Heat is best utilized during periods of high humidity, which often exists during the nighttime hours and during foggy, or rainy days.

Both natural and low temperature grain drying will be subject to control during peak energy periods.