Online tool tackles grain storage problems
around €1 million each year, could be reduced with the help of a
new free online tool.
The calculator, devised by the UK's Home Grown Cereals Association (HGCA) in conjunction with Imperial College London, can be used to tell suppliers how long their grain can be stored for safely and gives guidance on how to minimise their risk of contamination.
According to the HGCA, problems associated with grain storage - such as pests, fungal contaminants and loss of germination - can lead to grain rejection and cause huge losses for growers.
By downloading the HGCA safe storage time calculator from the tools section of the organisation's website and entering the harvest date, moisture content and temperature of the crop, growers of wheat, barley and oilseed rape can find out how long, in days, the grain can be stored for before it is susceptible to contamination.
HGCA's Assistant Research Director, Dr Roger Williams, said grain rejections caused by storage problems could be 5% or higher depending on the year.
He told bakeryandsnacks.com: "Building on tests, models and information, we have been able to put together an easy-to-use tool to help growers prioritise drying and cooling time."
