To assess the stored grain management strategies for this spring, farmers and elevator managers need to consider several points. Corn that has been cooled to such low temperatures should be rewarmed at this time to reduce the extreme temperature difference that will otherwise develop between the pile and the average outside temperature. Currently, night time ambient temperatures are still low enough to achieve this. Later in the spring this will no longer be an option. Proper warming will also thaw out any grain that may actually have frozen into clumps because of surface moisture.
Frozen clumps interfere with aeration and handling.
During rewarming it is especially important that the fan be operated continuously and the warming front forced all the way through the pile. Although the grain will warm along the outer layers and on the top and bottom of the pile during the spring, the bulk of the grain will remain cool. Covering may also prevent rodent and pest access. If an automatic aeration controller is used, it may be necessary to disconnect the fan from the controller to make sure it is not inadvertently turned on. Always run the fan continuously to complete a warming cycle and force the warming front through the entire grain mass.