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Writer's pictureTony Biggar
Sep 304 min read

How Drones Can Detect and Identify Early Signs of Moisture in Your Grain

Updated: Oct 3


Table of Contents



Introduction

For farmers and grain storage operators in the upper Midwest, particularly around Sioux Falls, South Dakota, ensuring efficient and safe grain drying is crucial for maintaining crop quality and maximizing profits. With advancements in drone technology, detecting early signs of moisture in stored grain has become more accessible and accurate than ever before. This article explores how drones can revolutionize grain moisture detection and help you optimize your drying processes.



harvestor grain crop drone



The Importance of Moisture Detection in Grain Storage

Moisture is the nemesis of stored grain. Excess moisture can lead to mold growth, insect infestations, and grain spoilage, resulting in significant financial losses. As one South Dakota farmer puts it:


"Catching moisture problems early can mean the difference between a profitable season and a disastrous one. It's not just about the immediate loss; it's about maintaining our reputation for quality grain."

Early detection of moisture issues allows for timely intervention, preserving grain quality and ensuring optimal drying efficiency.


Drone Technology for Grain Moisture Detection


Thermal Imaging Capabilities

Drones equipped with thermal cameras can detect temperature variations within grain piles or silos. These variations often indicate moisture pockets or hot spots where spoilage may be occurring. The thermal imaging technology can penetrate several feet into grain masses, providing insights that surface-level inspections might miss.



Multispectral Sensors

Advanced drones utilize multispectral sensors to capture data across various light wavelengths. This technology can detect changes in grain color and composition that may indicate moisture problems before they're visible to the naked eye.


Benefits of Drone Inspections for Grain Storage

1. Early Detection: Identify moisture issues before they escalate into major problems.

2. Comprehensive Coverage: Inspect large storage facilities quickly and thoroughly.

3. Non-Invasive: Conduct inspections without disturbing the grain.

4. Cost-Effective: Reduce the need for manual inspections and potential grain losses.

5. Data-Driven Decisions: Use precise data to optimize drying processes and storage conditions.


Implementing Drone Inspections in Your Operation

To incorporate drone inspections into your grain storage management:


1. Partner with Certified Drone Operators: Ensure you're working with professionals who understand both drone technology and grain storage.

2. Establish Regular Inspection Schedules: Consistent monitoring is key to catching issues early.

3. Integrate with Existing Systems: Use drone data to complement your current moisture monitoring methods.

4. Train Staff: Educate your team on interpreting drone-collected data for quick response to potential issues.




south dakota sioux falls farm drone



Case Studies: Success Stories from South Dakota Farms


Johnson Family Farm, Sioux Falls Area

The Johnson family implemented monthly drone inspections of their grain silos. Within the first season, they identified a developing moisture problem in one silo, allowing them to address it before any grain was lost. They estimate savings of over $20,000 in potential crop losses.


Heartland Cooperative, Eastern South Dakota

This large cooperative adopted drone technology for its multiple storage facilities. They reported a 30% reduction in spoilage incidents and a 15% improvement in overall grain quality across their operations.



Best Practices for Efficient and Safe Grain Drying

Incorporating drone inspections into your grain drying process can significantly enhance efficiency and safety. Here are some best practices to consider:


1. Optimize Airflow: Use drone data to identify areas of poor airflow in your drying system. As noted in a Purdue University Extension publication:


"Increased drying efficiency with dryeration is due primarily to the fact that 2-2% points of additional drying is done outside the dryer utilizing stored heat in the corn."

Ensuring proper airflow throughout your drying system can lead to energy savings and more uniform drying.


2. Monitor Temperature Gradients: Thermal imaging from drones can help you maintain optimal drying temperatures. According to grain drying experts:


"The rate of moisture loss of grain in a high-capacity dryer is strongly dependent on the grain temperature [note: not on the temperature of the drying air]."

Use this information to adjust your drying temperatures for maximum efficiency.


3. Regular Maintenance: Drone inspections can highlight areas needing maintenance before they become critical. As one industry expert advises:


"Even if it's tough drying, you still have to take time for maintenance. Sometimes shortcuts lead to breakdowns, which just makes the situation worse."

4. Calibrate Moisture Sensors: Use drone data to verify and calibrate your in-dryer moisture sensors. This ensures accurate moisture readings throughout the drying process.


5. Implement Dryeration: Consider using a dryeration system, which can increase energy efficiency by 10-20%[1]. Drones can help monitor the effectiveness of this process.


6. Adjust for Weather Conditions: Use real-time drone data to adapt your drying strategy based on current weather conditions, optimizing energy use and drying time.


7. Monitor Grain Quality: Regular drone inspections can help you track grain quality throughout the drying process, allowing for adjustments to maintain optimal quality.



south dakota grain


Conclusion

Incorporating drone technology into your grain storage and drying operations can revolutionize how you manage moisture levels and overall grain quality. For farmers and grain storage operators in South Dakota and the surrounding upper Midwest, this technology offers a powerful tool to enhance efficiency, reduce losses, and maintain the high-quality standards that the region is known for.


By embracing drone inspections and following best practices for grain drying, you can stay ahead of potential moisture issues, optimize your drying processes, and ultimately protect your bottom line. As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, staying at the forefront of technology adoption will be key to maintaining a competitive edge in the market.


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