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Temporary Storage – Is Your System Ready?

Temporary storage plays a critical role in grain operations—but it comes with unique challenges, risks, and costs that must be carefully managed. In this episode, 40-year industry veteran Bob Marlow shares hard-earned lessons, success strategies, technologies improving temporary storage, and a practical framework for evaluating whether this year's plan is truly ready.

From grain quality protection and site design to cost tracking and operational safety, Bob provides real-world examples every grain facility can learn from—plus one cautionary tale you won’t forget.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• When and why facilities rely on temporary storage—and how to distinguish emergency vs. true temporary storage
• The biggest advantages vs. drawbacks compared to permanent storage
• Essential steps to ensure your temporary storage system is ready before harvest
• How pad design, tarps, aeration, and fan management impact safety and grain quality
• Why grain quality issues escalate faster in piles and how to prevent loss
• The most commonly overlooked or “hidden” costs—and how to track them
• New tech and evolving best practices (CO₂ monitoring, wind-based fan control, improved tarps, cover-on-first systems)
• A practical readiness checklist based on Purdue’s SLAM method (Sanitize, Level, Aerate, Monitor)

Key Takeaways

• Temporary storage is not “cheap storage.” It has recurring costs and higher risk that demand intentional planning.
• Grain quality is the make-or-break factor. Moisture, temperature swings, and tarp failures can quickly turn #1 grain into sample grade.
• Don’t “set it and forget it.” Fan mismanagement can cause re-wetting, heating, mold, and insects.
• Track true costs annually. Labor, tarps, repairs, pest control, fuel/electricity, and reclaim losses add up.
• Technology is changing the game. CO₂ monitoring, wind-based fan controls, and cover-on-first designs are improving outcomes.

Bob’s Readiness Checklist (SLAM Method)

Before harvest, confirm:

S – Sanitize: Clean pad, remove old grain, treat for pests
L – Load Level/Core: Build and core the pile properly
A – Aerate: Have a plan to cool grain and manage fans correctly
M – Monitor/Maintain: Monitor CO₂, temp, tarp condition, equipment & safety

Red Flags That Require Immediate Action

• Off-odors around fans (sour, musty, fermented)
• CO₂ or temperature spikes
• Tarp loosening or wind-flapping
• Water pooling around the pad or under tarps
• Crusting or heating at surface or sidewalls

Grain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS’ website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS’ Whole Grain podcast.