SAM stands for Sanitation, Aeration, and Monitoring, which are three management components necessary to preserve the quality of wheat stored on-farm. A decade of field trials conducted by Kansas State University scientists showed that the proper use of these procedures improves the control of stored-grain insects and helps to reduce reliance on pest control chemicals. Insects are the major cause of grain deterioration. Populations of damaging insects build up from the time wheat is put into storage in early summer until winter. If these factors are not adequately controlled, infestations often develop rapidly enough to cause major grain damage and loss by September or October.
Migration is rapid if there are large numbers of stored-grain insects nearby.
Aeration is the best tool to control storage problems and maintain the quality of the wheat in your farm bin. Proper sanitation and monitoring complete the integrated approach to grain quality maintenance. In certain situations, grain protectants and fumigants are required. Because chemicals are expensive and can be hazardous if not handled properly, the decision to apply them should be based on the data and experience gained through proper monitoring. Chemical use, as well as grain deterioration, can be minimized by using the following strategy.