Grain Bagging Machinery for On-Farm Crop Storage

Understanding Grain Bagging Equipment

For farmers and agricultural producers, properly storing and preserving grains after harvest is crucial. Using specialized grain bagging equipment allows for efficient and effective on-farm grain storage that protects crop quality and quantity while awaiting sale or feed use.

How Does Grain Bagging Work?

Grain bagging involves placing grains directly into long plastic tube bags up to 300 feet using a specialized grain bagging machine. As the grain is augured into the bag, the tube is slowly compacted and sealed simultaneously using an attachment. This creates an oxygen-limiting environment that preserves grain quality.

Common grains stored in grain bags include corn, soybeans, wheat, rice, barley, and other small grains. The sealed bags keep moisture out and prevent spoilage from pests, birds, rodents, or other animals. Stored properly in the anaerobic environment of the bag, grain can be preserved for two years or longer.

Benefits of Using Grain Bags for Storage

Grain bagging offers many advantages over other storage methods:

• Less handling of the grain compared to transfer to silos or bins
• Bags take up less space than traditional grain containers
• Lower initial equipment costs than permanent structures
• Bags can be reused for multiple years, reducing costs
• Ability to store grains right next to the field

Storing grains in bags also enables selling harvests when market conditions are optimal instead of when the bins are full. Portability allows rotating locations from season to season as needed.

Types of Grain Bagging Equipment

Specialized grain bagging machines are necessary to fill, extract air, seal, and safely store grains in bags. Bagging equipment comes in stationary and mobile setups. Most farmers utilize mobile baggers that can be easily transported between fields.

Key Components of a Mobile Grain Bagging System

• Grain Auger - feeds grain into bag at controlled rates
• Tunnel - compacts grain to correct density and shape
• Bagging Machine - seals top end of bag continuously
• Tractor - powers mobile setups
• Support Table - elevates and shapes bottom of bag

An engine mounted on the bagging machine powers the grain handling components. Hydraulics on the bagging unit also propels the machine forward as the bag fills.

Stationary Electrical and PTO Grain Baggers

Stationary baggers utilize electrical motors or PTO drives to power augers and bagging components. Hopper bottomed grain carts feed these units. Stationary baggers often fill longer bags since repositioning is not needed. But mobility offers more flexibility for many farming operations.

Grain Bag Extractors

Removing grain from bags requires specialized grain bag extractors. Extractors feature spout conduits that connect to the sealed end of a grain bag. Grain releasing equipment then methodically rents the bag, metering grain out in a controlled fashion.

Many types of extractors are available: trailer models, bag lifts, ramp models that drain bags using gravity, and more. Matching your extractor to your grain bagging system optimizes equipment use and grain handling efficiency.

Important Grain Bag Handling Tips

While grain bagging machinery does most of the heavy lifting, proper techniques and precautions are still essential:

• Select sites with well-drained, smooth ground to place bags
• Anchor bag ends securely to prevent tipping
• Inspect machines pre-season to ensure good working order
• Wear respiratory masks when working around moldy grain

Be sure to monitor your stored grain throughout the hold time. Check for any leaks, tears, animal intrusions, moisture accumulation from weather or ground contact, and other issues periodically. Addressing problems early preserves quality and minimizes losses.

Investing in Grain Bagging Machinery

Purchasing reliable grain bagging equipment suited for your farm allows harnessing the benefits of grain bag storage. While stationary models often offer the most capacity, portable grain baggers provide flexibility in storage location and can serve multiple crop sites.

Work closely with grain bagging equipment dealers and manufacturers to select machinery that best fits your operational parameters. Proper use, maintenance and monitoring ensures your investment provides effective grain preservation for years to come.

FAQs

What types of grains can be stored in grain bags?

Grain bags can store many types of grains like corn, wheat, soybeans, rice, barley and other grains and oilseeds. The sealed anaerobic environment preserves quality.

What are grain bags made of?

Grain bags feature durable, UV-stabilized polyethylene and polypropylene plastics. Multiple layers and black coloring limit light exposure.

How long can grains be stored in sealed bags?

If properly filled and monitored, grains can be preserved for 2 years or longer in sealed grain bags without significant quality deterioration.

Are reusable grain bags as effective as new bags?

Yes, reusable grain bags remain effective for several storage seasons if scrupulously inspected for damage and deterioration prior to reuse.

Can grain bagging systems operate in cold winter conditions?

Yes, many models feature weatherized components allowing operations in freezing, snowy and icy conditions with sufficient generator power.