Freshly harvested grain is usually preserved by hermetic grain crimping or whole grain preservation. Grain crimping is a perfect preservation method when the grain moisture content is between 30 and 40 per cent. If the grain moisture content is below 30 per cent, the use of propionic acid is recommended. Whole grain preservation is best suited for the preservation of dry grain with the moisture content of approximately 15–25 per cent.

Grain crimping is based on lactic acid fermentation

In grain crimping, the grains are threshed at the yellow ripeness stage in order to achieve optimal dry content and energy and protein levels. After that, the grains are crimped on the field or at the storage site and ensiled in airtight storage. This preservation method is based on lactic acid fermentation and, as in grain silage, the preservability of grain can be significantly improved by using the right preservative.

The preservative is usually applied to the grains during the crimping. You usually need approximately 3–5 litres of preservative per tonne. If the grain moisture content is below 30 per cent, the use of propionic acid is recommended. Evenness is the key to successful preservative application: if the preservative is applied unevenly, the amount of preservative per tonne might vary substantially within the batch, even if the average amount used was correct.

Happowa’s VP stem pump is a reliable choice for grain crimping. Adjust the application with the electronic Junior controller or monitor the flow rate using a traditional glass tube flow meter. The VP stem pump set for a roller mill is now also available, which includes a VP stem pump as well as a Junior controller, flow meter, anti-drip valve, connecting cable, rounded jet nozzles 2+2 kpl, hoses, y-branch and hose clamps.

Even application is the be all and end all of whole grain preservation

In whole grain preservation, the grains are preserved without crimping and threshed as dry as possible (moisture content of approximately 15–25 per cent). The growth of mould and harmful bacteria in harvested grain is combated with preservatives. Propionic acid is particularly well suited for this.

The amount of preservative used depends on the grain moisture content. Special attention should be paid to even application of preservative in whole grain preservation. The preservative must come into contact with every single grain and spread evenly in the batch.

Happowa’s VP stem pump is also perfect for whole grain preservation. The pump is available for three sizes of preservative containers. The reliable and user-friendly VP stem pump is particularly well suited for the application of propionic acid.