Grain Farming Process: From the Field to the Bin

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Experts predict that the demand for grain will grow by 70% over the next 30 years. As the demand for grain increases, so does the amount of grain that farmers and millwrights are responsible for growing, processing and storing. The grain farming process is complex, and it is essential to understand the correct procedures of each step in the grain farming process. These steps include planting, growing, harvesting, threshing and storing the final product. By breaking down each step of the process, you will gain a better understanding of how to produce a high-quality product with minimal waste.

How to Grow Grain

The specific steps of growing grain depend on the type of grain you’re interested in producing. The most commonly produced grain types include:

• Wheat
• Barley
• Oats
• Corn or maize
• Rye
• Sorghum
• Millet
• Buckwheat
• Amaranth
• Quinoa
• Rice
• Teff

Wheat, oats, rice, corn, barley, sorghum, rye and millet are considered “true cereal grains” because they belong to the Poaceae family. Non-Poaceae grains, including amaranth, buckwheat and quinoa, are considered “pseudo-cereal grains” because they have a similar nutritional value, texture and appearance. The key to producing high-quality grains is to choose the right seeds. Make sure your seed supplier has tested all seeds for disease, weeds and germination. Although different types of grain or grain combinations might have specific growing requirements, some basic steps include the following:

1. Choose a sunny spot: Although grains are a fairly resilient crop, they do require ample sunlight to grow. Choose a spot of land with good soil and plenty of sunshine. If you have previously planted on this land before, make sure the former crop will not have a negative effect on the new one.
2. Test the soil: If you are concerned about the quality of your soil, have it professionally tested before you begin planting.
3. Till the soil: Till the area completely to a depth of at least six inches. Incorporate a thin layer of compost if you feel the soil could use a boost of nutrients before planting.
4. Spread the seeds: Use a seed spreader for even grain seed distribution.
5. Rake: Gently rake the area to move the seeds into the dirt.
6. Add a layer of straw: To keep your seeds safe from movement or wildlife, loosely lay a layer of straw on top.
7. Water the area: Water your seeds upon planting, and keep them moist until they begin to sprout. Be careful not to over-saturate the soil.

Always consult the seed packaging or provider before planting for complete instructions or special considerations.

When to Plant Grain

Most grains are annual crops, meaning you germinate, grow and harvest them in a single year. Depending on the type of grain you’re producing, you grow them in either cool or warm weather months. Oats, rye and most types of wheat are best suited for fall planting, while buckwheat, millet and some kinds of wheat need the warmth of the spring sun.

How to grow your chosen grain also depends on where you live. The USDA has a map that shows where each region of the country falls in terms of “plant hardiness.” By consulting the hardiness zone map, you can figure out which grains will thrive best in your location, as well as the best time to plant them.

North Central

The average annual minimum extreme temperature (AAEMT) in North Central U.S. ranges from minus 40 to 10 degrees above Fahrenheit. The AAEMT will impact various soil conditions, like moisture content and overall soil health. Part of this region is known as the “corn belt” because soybean and corn crops make up 75% of the agricultural land. Other thriving grains here include alfalfa and wheat.

Northeast

The Northeast AAEMT ranges from minus 40 to 15 degrees above Fahrenheit. Some grains that grow well in those conditions include:

• Barley
• Rye
• Mustard
• Buckwheat
• Sorghum

Northwest

The AAEMT in Northwest U.S. ranges from minus 40 to 25 degrees above Fahrenheit. Some common grains growing in these conditions include:

• Wheat
• Peas
• Lentils
• Oats
• Corn

South Central

The AAEMT in South Central ranges from minus 10 to 35 degrees above Fahrenheit. Grains commonly grown here include:

• Sorghum
• Rice
• Wheat
• Soybeans
• Corn

Southeast

The Southeast states have an AAEMT range of minus 15 to 45 degrees above Fahrenheit. Common grain crops in Southeast U.S. are:

• Sorghum
• Corn
• Hay
• Cottonseed
• Soybean
• Rye
• Wheat

Southwest

With an AAEMT of minus 35 to 45 degrees above Fahrenheit, grain crops commonly grown in Southwest U.S. include:

• Wheat
• Hay
• Millet
• Rye
• Oats
• Quinoa

What Is Grain Harvesting?

Grain harvesting is the process of gathering mature crops — such as rice and corn and small grains like wheat, barley and oats — from the field. Using specialized machines, you cut the plants and separate the grains from the stalks, storing them for further processing or sale.

Grain harvesting is a critical step in the process, marking the culmination of months of hard work nurturing your crops. It requires precision and timing throughout the seasons to keep grains at peak ripeness and quality.

The steps for grain harvesting include:

1. Cutting: The first step is to cut the mature grown crop. Most farmers use heavy machinery like combine harvesters to complete this step.
2. Binding: After cutting the stalks, you bind them into bundles for easier handling. You might use twine, rope or other materials to form the bundle and keep the sheaves intact for uniform drying and handling.
3. Shocking: If the grain still needs to dry, you can shock or stook the bundles in the field. The stocks will shed rain, ripen and dry until you move to the next step.
4. Threshing: Threshing is the process of separating the grain from the plant, which typically involves flailing or banging the grain heads in a container or on a tarp, which collects the threshed grain.
5. Winnowing: The final step is winnowing, which is the process of separating the small plant debris from the edible grain.

The grain farming process has evolved over the centuries, changing along with technological advancements and agricultural knowledge. Traditional methods involved manual labor when planting, weeding or harvesting or animal-drawn plows to prepare the soil. Today, grain farming primarily relies on machinery like planters, tractors and combine harvesters to speed up these tasks.

How to Thresh Grain

When it comes to the grain harvesting process, there are some different terms you should know to successfully harvest and thresh your grain before storage. Some of those terms are:

• Threshing: Threshing is the process of loosening the grain from its casing so it’s easier to remove. You can do this by rubbing or flailing the grain by hand or machine.
• Chaff: The chaff is the casing that surrounds the edible part of the grain. The chaff is not suitable for human consumption.
• Winnowing: When you winnow grain, you separate the chaff from the edible grain.
• Flailing: Flailing is a process of threshing the grain with a wooden bar.
• Treading: Treading is a process of threshing the grain by stepping on it.
• Thresher: A thresher, also known as a threshing machine, is a piece of machinery you can use to thresh large amounts of grain at once.

Once harvested, be sure to allow the seed heads to dry for at least seven to 10 days before you begin the threshing process.

The Importance of Grain Storage

Grain storage is critical in preserving your harvested grains for future use. It’s essential for many reasons:

• Preservation: Proper storage helps you maintain your grains’ quality and nutritional value, reducing the risk of spoilage and loss by protecting them from moisture, pests and mold. It also helps preserve seed quality so you can use them for the next planting season.
• Market flexibility: Grain storage lets you store your produce when market prices are low and sell when prices rise. This practice can help you prevent price fluctuations due to seasonal variations in supply and demand, maximizing profitability.
• Risk management: Properly storing your grains minimizes the risk of crop damage and financial loss. You’ll reduce risks associated with moisture, pests, unpredictable weather conditions, market fluctuations and logistical challenges.

Essentially, grain storage is not just about keeping crops safe — it’s a strategic practice that supports food quality, economic stability and sustainable agriculture.

Grain Storage Best Practices

Proper grain storage helps you maintain the quality and value of your crops. Follow these best practices to ensure your operation’s long-term success:

1. Use High-Quality Storage Containers

To ensure quality grain, you need quality storage containers. You’ll find many high-quality storage products, from cushion boxes to slide gates and valves. This crucial equipment will protect your grains from contaminants like bugs and mold while preserving their nutritional value.

Before storing the grain, make sure you clean out your bins, clearing them of debris, old grain residues or pests. You can also extend the shelf life of your grains by keeping them in airtight, pest-resistant containers. 

2. Dry to the Right Moisture Content

Maintaining correct moisture levels is one of the most significant aspects of successful grain storage. The proper moisture levels will help prevent mold, insect infestations and spoilage. Closely monitor the moisture content, adjust your storage conditions as needed, and invest in reliable moisture testing equipment for accurate readings.

3. Optimize Aeration

Aeration is another essential part of the grain storage process, as it helps reduce spoilage and promotes better grain quality. Grain fines — bits of grain kernels — can restrict airflow within your storage containers and cause poor aeration, increasing the risk of mold growth and spoilage.

To avoid this, be sure to adequately distribute fines with a grain spreader, ensuring they aren’t all in the center. Doing this will keep the air from moving to the outside and causing spoilage in the middle.

4. Control the Temperatures

Controlling the temperature of your grain during storage is essential. Temperature cables can safely monitor your grain so you can adjust conditions as needed. At the same time, proper ventilation systems like vents and fans can prevent hot spots and ensure uniform temperature distribution. 

The exact recommended temperatures will depend on your region and the specific season. Generally, you want to keep your grain cool enough to prevent insects, but you don’t want the temperature to drop below freezing. Additionally, grain storage life depends on temperature and moisture content, so it’s important to monitor and control both factors.

6. Regularly Monitor Your Grain

Regularly inspect your grain and conduct maintenance to ensure your storage system is functioning correctly. Scheduling routine checks can help you spot issues early on, such as leaks, damage or equipment malfunction. Addressing problems promptly can prevent costly repairs and reduce the risk of crop loss.

7. Use Proper Grain Handling Equipment

Investing in proper grain handling equipment like grain conveyors and dead boxes is essential for successful storage. The more efficient the system, the less grain that needs to be moved and the less risk of mechanical damage. For instance, grain movement equipment customized to your specific needs can address issues like cracked or broken kernels that reduce market value. These solutions will cushion free-falling grain, streamline your processes and make operations less labor-intensive.

Protect Your Crops Year-Round With Grain Handling Equipment From LCDM

As a farmer, you understand the importance of grain quality and its impact on your profits. That’s why it’s essential to monitor your storage and grain farming processes, ensuring your hard-earned crops are handled properly and stored for the best quality.

LCDM recognizes that all grain handling operations are unique. Our custom grain handling solutions are designed to protect grain stock and maximize efficiency, helping you achieve greater profitability and success.

LCDM handling equipment ensures safe grain handling from truck to bin. Learn more about our custom grain handling solutions, or contact us today with your questions.