Released February 9, 2009
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Finding ways to conserve energy and reduce costs associated with corn production continues to be a critical challenge for Ohio farmers. Not only does it cost money to plant and harvest corn, but costs can also be high to dry and store grain on the farm.
Ohio State University Extension, in conjunction with Michigan State University Extension, will offer a workshop to help farmers conserve energy and reduce grain drying and storage costs while maintaining quality for maximum profit.
"On-Farm Stored Grain Management" will be held March 4 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Ridgeville American Legion Hall near Ridgeville, Ohio, as well as on March 5 from 9 a.m. until noon at Cabela's in Dundee, MI.
Robert Hansen, an OSU agricultural engineer with the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, will explain how natural air-drying systems can dramatically reduce energy inputs for drying. Drying corn from 25.5 percent to 15.5 percent moisture with a natural air system may use as little as 25 percent to 40 percent of the total energy of high temperature systems.
Other presenters include Dee Jepsen, OSU Extension's director of agricultural safety and health, who will present facts on keeping health and safety in mind when operating grain handling equipment; and Linda Mason, a Purdue University entomologist, who will teach participants how to monitor and control stored grain insect pests.
Registration for either location is $15, received by Feb. 25, or $30 at the door, space permitting. For more information, log on to the OSU Extension Defiance County Web site at http://defiance.osu.edu/agriculture_natural_resources/winter-meetings, or contact OSU Extension educator Bruce Clevenger at (800) 745-4771 or clevenger.10@cfaes.osu.edu.
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http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~news/story.php?id=4986
Contact: Bruce Clevenger, (800) 745-4771, clevenger.10@cfaes.osu.edu
