Keeping that grain at temperatures below roughly 50 degrees F will greatly minimize the potential for insect infestation.
In the northern United States, that target could be 40 degrees F. Insects become more active the warmer the temperature.
The closer we get to that 70- or 80-degree F temperature range, the more potential for insect problems to occur.
The same thing is true for mold growth. Roughly every 10 degrees F that the grain temperature warms cuts the expected allowable storage time in half.
So the goal is to keep it as cool as we can.
Reprinted from Grain Journal July/August 2020 Issue