By Katie Drewitz
University of Minnesota
Extension
PRESTON and CALEDONIA, MN — Moisture is key but not the whole story for successful farm storage of soybeans. Soybean yield is typically normalized to 13% moisture and soybean buyers will pay full price for soybeans up to a moisture content of 13%. Also, grain bins will typically store 13% moisture soybeans for up to six months without spoilage at temperatures below 60°F.
However, even when soybeans are at the standard moisture content, the amount of pods, green soybeans and large, waxy, yellow soybeans in the grain will vary greatly depending on weather conditions and timing of harvest. Green pods and green soybeans tend to “float” to the walls of the bin during filling, creating a place for spoilage to begin. It is a good idea to put higher moisture soybeans into grain bins with full floor aeration to quickly equalize the moisture and temperature.
Although soybeans can be dried with high temperatures, information from NDSU recommends keeping maximum drying temperatures below 130°F to minimize damage, including the cracking of seed coats and the bean. If drying using heat, monitor soybean seeds for damage and adjust temperatures as needed. Keep in mind a 13% moisture content should be adequate when storing soybeans for up to six months, but for storage longer than six months, a moisture content of 11% is recommended. Safe storage times are cumulative, so for example, if you use up half of the safe storage life at a higher moisture content, you will only have half of the safe storage time left at a lower moisture content
Full University of Minnesota Extension schedules on moisture and temperature effects on grain spoilage can be found in Managing stored grain to minimize storage losses. A Crop News article specific to preventing stored grain pest issues is also available.
If you have questions or need assistance locating these articles please reach out to your local Extension educator. Residents in Fillmore and Houston counties can call 507-765-3896 or 507-725-5807.
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