South Africa’s agricultural industry is a critical contributor to the national and regional economies. Maize and wheat are among the largest crops grown in the country; last year, a total of 15 million metric tonnes of maize and 2.3 million metric tonnes of wheat were grown. With these massive quantities of grain comes the need for long-term storage solutions.
Bulk bags are the perfect solution for transporting and storing grain. We recommend using baffled bulk bags for this purpose as they are better at maintaining their shape than regular bags. Of course, grain is often stored in silos but when farmers and purchasers need to move their grain, bulk bags can be used as a cost-effective and efficient packaging solution.
Custom Bulk Bags is a leading manufacturer and supplier of world-class bulk bags in South Africa. We produce up to 3.5 million bulk bags per annum and have a large inventory of products available for customers. All of our bulk bags have a minimum safety factor rating of 5:1 and are manufactured in accordance with international regulations and standards.
Why choose bulk bags for long-term grain storage?
The correct storage procedures are absolutely critical for the longevity of grains and other agricultural products. As food items, they need to be kept in ideal conditions. Moisture, temperature and sunlight can spoil crops in storage and affect the quality of grains very quickly.
Different grains have different storage requirements but a perfect balance between these factors above can prolong their shelf life and quality. Proper placement and ideal containers are required, such as bulk bags. These customisable packaging solutions can be tailored to your specific grain storage requirements.
These include adding baffles or foil liners. Not only do these improve the performance of the bulk bags and make them more effective at storing grains in the long term, but they also make it easier to stack the bags and prevent moisture and pests from getting to the grains. Foil liners are ideal for moisture prevention, temperature control and minimising exposure to light.
Tips for long-term grain storage
Whether you decide to store your grain in a silo or in bulk bags, here are some useful tips for prolonging its quality.
1. Check the quality of the grain – Before you dump your grain in storage, check the overall quality first. A quick visual inspection for damage or discolouration will allow you to remove these sub-par grains from the batch before storage. Cracks in the surface of the grain can create pockets for mould and fungus. This will ensure that only food-grade grains are kept in storage and will prevent the whole batch from spoiling.
2. Ensure the grain is dry – This goes hand-in-hand with the checks above. Damp grain is far more likely to spoil and become mouldy. Grain must be fully dry before being stored in bulk bags or silos. Weight tests will allow you to cross-reference the acceptable moisture levels with charts to ensure that you’re within the acceptable range. There are a number of optional add-ons for bulk bags that can prevent moisture ingress.
3. Consider bulk bags for long-term storage – If you decide to use bulk bags for storage, be sure to speak to a supplier before placing an order. The expert consultants at Custom Bulk Bags are on-hand to answer your questions and guide you through the customisation process. This will ensure that you get the perfect storage products for your needs – with the right dimensions and optional extras included.
4. The storage area should be dark and dry – This is why silos are a popular solution for grain storage; they keep light and moisture out of the environment. If you don’t have access to a storage silo, then bulk bags are ideal. They can be stored inside a shed or warehouse. With the right extras and inner liners, you can keep your grain protected from light and water vapour, which will maximise the storage time.
How long can grains be stored?
When stored under ideal conditions, grains can last for up to 12 years. This, of course, requires regular quality inspections and a close eye on the storage environment. It’s much easier to store grain for this long in smaller batches within bulk bags as it’s easier to control the environment.
Investing in agricultural bulk bags will enable you to more accurately control airflow, moisture, temperature and light. In addition, they are effective barriers against pests, such as rats and weevils. Our consultants can help you design and spec the ideal bulk bags for your grain. For more information about our bulk bags, please contact us today.
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Custom Bulk Bags is a leading South African manufacturer of woven polypropylene bags for various industries, such as mining, chemicals and food. We are able to produce over 3.5-million bulk bags per year, keeping our customers in stock at all times. Our bags adhere to the highest levels of quality as a result of our stringent in-house testing and quality control programmes.
Custom Bulk Bags holds ISO 9001 certification and we currently have a number of UN-certified designs. We are a Level 2 B-BBEE manufacturer and supplier and fall under the ownership structure of Deneb Investments Limited. For more information on our products, contact sales@custombulkbags.co.za. Follow us on Facebook for our latest news and industry insights.
