Ontario Grain Farmer August 2021

Baresich says the bags become essentially useless after being emptied, making it necessary to find someone to take the material for another purpose. This was eventually done, though the risk of attracting rodents from plastic with a strong grain smell could limit the number of potential secondary uses (e.g. as a construction material). Leaving bags for more extended periods of time might also increase the potential for spoilage. At Aylmer’s College Grains Inc., Jay Shackleton says the bottom of some bags became soft and mushy after over nine months in the field, making them more difficult to pick up. Perforations were also an issue, though one potentially resulting, at least partially, from laying the bag on frozen ground. Overall, Shackleton says they are “not totally sold” on the process — at least, not as something to be used every year. Schaafsma, too, says better site preparation is needed before silo bags are deployed. That ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 21 AUGUST 2021 continued on page 22 This article features research funded by Grain Farmers of Ontario. means removing all rocks and grain stubble, as well as keeping the area well drained to prevent ponding. Ensuring the bag itself is level is another factor, as Matt Hollinger of Victoria County Grains discovered. “The only challenge we really ran into, and it was more neglect than anything, is we put GET TO KNOW THE ANDERSONS Rooted in agriculture. Growing enduring relationships. The Andersons has been a trusted partner in the agriculture industry for more than 70 years. THOMPSONS LIMITED IS NOW THE ANDERSONS GRAIN MARKETING RISK MANAGEMENT EDIBLE BEANS FOOD-GRADE SOYBEANS ORGANIC CROPS Learn more at AndersonsCanada.com