Wildlife go for grain bags

Hungry wildlife may have discovered your grain bags and opened them up for a snack. With the ground still frozen, it may be a good time to empty bags if wildlife damage is evident and spoilage is likely.

Scott Hartley with Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture has heard several reports of rodents (mice) associated with grain storage. He reminds people to take precautions to avoid hantavirus.

While checking bags, check bins, too. A winter of up and down weather may leave bin moisture levels uneven and stored grain unsettled. Canola stored tough will be particularly vulnerable to moisture concentration and potential spoilage as days get warmer.

Summer storage: Canola stored dry and conditioned well heading into winter is still worth checking but may not need attention. Recent PAMI research on summer storage of dry canola suggested that leaving the bins alone was better than aerating them or turning them as winter turned to spring and summer.