You should think about the benefits of grain drying for your farm. Cereal drying has been practiced since ancient times and has evolved and changed over the years. The grain drying treatment, which proved indispensable, is still carried out in a variety of ways today. This process can significantly benefit farmers and farms if done correctly. But how exactly? And what advantages are we talking about, exactly? In this article, we will clarify the subject and highlight the main benefits of grain drying equipment that you should consider for your business.
What are the benefits of drying grain?
The grain drying treatment, whether natural or artificial, significantly impacts the product’s marketing. The greatest benefits, however, are obtained when the process is carried out using specific and advanced drying systems, such as mobile grain dryers and tower dryers.
Grain dryers of the first generation were unlikely to adapt to harsh climatic conditions, so drying was frequently ineffective. Today, however, the most technologically advanced grain dryers can optimally meet any drying requirement, even in environments with high humidity, very low temperatures, and less favourable conditions.
The following are the primary benefits of using these systems for grain drying:
1. Safer storage – By reducing the moisture content in the grains, the possibility of cereal degradation or germination is eliminated, allowing it to be stored safely for extended periods of time while maintaining product quality.
2. Less moulds and/or aflatoxins – The lower water content also eliminates the risk of the emergence of harmful agents such as moulds or aflatoxins, which can damage the cereal and pose a risk to human and animal health.
3. Less waste – Grain drying eliminates the risks associated with product deterioration, allowing for significant reductions in losses associated with product movement, theft, birds, and rodents: the majority of the harvested product can then be marketed without significant losses.
4. More productivity and quality – Grain drying through a dryer allows for faster drying, greater flexibility, and increased productivity: it is possible to dry many tonnes of product in a few hours, a process that would take several days using the traditional method. Having a dryer means being independent in the treatment, which can be done at any time, and keeping the drying parameters under control. Furthermore, by removing the risks associated with product degradation, even the quality remains at its peak.
5. More value and profits – The farmer’s increased flexibility, combined with the benefit of greater security regarding the conservation and quality of the harvested cereals, provides the opportunity to sell the product at a higher price, following the most favourable market periods. Profits are increased and maximised in this manner.
So in conclusion, the importance of grain drying:
1.Drying grains is important because grains with a high moisture content deteriorate quickly in terms of both quality and quantity.
2.They may germinate if not dried because there is enough moisture in them and other conditions are present.
3. Drying is necessary to prevent free water from being available for microbial growth.
4. Drying is necessary to avoid respiration.