Arable farmers are being urged to prepare grain stores well in advance to avoid being caught out by the trend towards ever earlier harvests, a shift many are calling ‘the new normal’.

As changing weather patterns continue to pull harvest dates forward, Ken Black, account manager at environmental protection firm Envu, warns that compressing the window for essential grain store cleaning, proofing and pest prevention could leave the door open to grain store pests.

“Last year's early harvest saw many growers experiencing increased pressure from grain store pests, but in most cases, this problem can be avoided,” he says.

“Simply accepting that harvest patterns have shifted and reflecting this by planning earlier grain store preparation is a simple shift you can make to safeguard your grain, as we navigate this new normal.”

Arable farmers are being urged to prepare grain stores well in advance to avoid being caught out by the trend towards ever earlier harvests, a shift many are calling ‘the new normal’.

As changing weather patterns continue to pull harvest dates forward, Ken Black, account manager at environmental protection firm Envu, warns that compressing the window for essential grain store cleaning, proofing and pest prevention could leave the door open to grain store pests.

“Last year's early harvest saw many growers experiencing increased pressure from grain store pests, but in most cases, this problem can be avoided,” he says.

“Simply accepting that harvest patterns have shifted and reflecting this by planning earlier grain store preparation is a simple shift you can make to safeguard your grain, as we navigate this new normal.”

Mr Black says grain stores are likely to face an increased threat from pests this summer due to last year's prolonged warm weather, allowing pests to continue breeding into the autumn.

“We’re also experiencing fewer cold snaps during the winter months, which historically served as a natural barrier against pests, meaning greater numbers are surviving the winter,” he says.

“Pests like weevils and saw tooth beetles, commonly found in grain stores, thrive in temperatures of 12 degrees and above,” he explains.

“As a result, milder weather means we could begin to see higher pest pressures going forward, increasing the emphasis on the importance of effectively cleaning out grain stores to the highest standard possible and earlier than usual.

Ross Goodman, technical director at Lodi agrees with Mr Black’s advice but warns that simply bringing grain store preparations forward is not enough alone to control pests – farmers need to ensure their cleaning protocols cover all bases.

Mr Goodman says: “Your protection against grain pests is only as good as your prep, and failure to cover all areas leaves you vulnerable.

“The addition of ENVU’s Actellic® smoke to the Lodi portfolio means there’s a fully comprehensive grain store protection range on offer.”

Mr Goodman explains: “The smoke is used as a ‘belt and braces’ approach, drawing pests out of cracks and crevices which may have been missed in the liquid insecticide application of the store.

“Pests are killed when they emerge and make contact with the insecticide on the surface of the building, safeguarding your store from every angle.”

For further advice on protecting grain this season, contact Lodi UK or visit their website.

is a simple shift you can make to safeguard your grain, as we navigate this new normal.”

Mr Black says grain stores are likely to face an increased threat from pests this summer due to last year's prolonged warm weather, allowing pests to continue breeding into the autumn.

“We’re also experiencing fewer cold snaps during the winter months, which historically served as a natural barrier against pests, meaning greater numbers are surviving the winter,” he says.

“Pests like weevils and saw tooth beetles, commonly found in grain stores, thrive in temperatures of 12 degrees and above,” he explains.

“As a result, milder weather means we could begin to see higher pest pressures going forward, increasing the emphasis on the importance of effectively cleaning out grain stores to the highest standard possible and earlier than usual.

Ross Goodman, technical director at Lodi agrees with Mr Black’s advice but warns that simply bringing grain store preparations forward is not enough alone to control pests – farmers need to ensure their cleaning protocols cover all bases.

Mr Goodman says: “Your protection against grain pests is only as good as your prep, and failure to cover all areas leaves you vulnerable.

“The addition of ENVU’s Actellic® smoke to the Lodi portfolio means there’s a fully comprehensive grain store protection range on offer.”

Mr Goodman explains: “The smoke is used as a ‘belt and braces’ approach, drawing pests out of cracks and crevices which may have been missed in the liquid insecticide application of the store.

“Pests are killed when they emerge and make contact with the insecticide on the surface of the building, safeguarding your store from every angle.”

For further advice on protecting grain this season, contact Lodi UK or visit their website.