GSI Urges Farmers to Audit Grain Systems Ahead of 2027

Only one customer in his entire career has told GSI grain conditioning specialist Randy Sheley that he bought a dryer that was too big. That single data point anchors the advice Sheley, based in Assumption, Illinois, is giving farmers now: audit grain system performance immediately after harvest, while bottlenecks, breakdowns and spoilage risks are still fresh in memory.

A post-harvest review, Sheley says, tells farmers whether upgrades are needed before the next season. Storage, drying, handling, technology and safety form the five-point checklist. Each item carries direct consequences for grain quality and return on investment.

Is your storage capacity a bottleneck?

Sheley's first question is blunt. "Did you have bottlenecks this year created by a lack of storage?" he asks. "Could you have earned more if you had more storage capacity?"

Location matters as much as volume. Farmers running multiple fields should ask whether a different site offers a better road system for grain transport, access to utilities and room for future expansion, Sheley says.

Does your dryer match the next five years?

Sheley recommends planning drying capacity at least five years ahead, on the assumption of higher yields or added acres. Oversizing, judging by his customer history, is a rare mistake.

Dryer type is equally critical. "If all of your bins are large—over 50,000 bushels—there is no reason to use full-heat dryers, because you can't manage hot grain in those big bins," Sheley says. For large bins he recommends full heat and dry-cool dryers, or a tower dryer that runs dry-cool only and is simple to operate.

Can your handling equipment keep pace with high yields?

High yields stress grain-receiving equipment. Sheley advises a close look at how dump pits, grain legs and other conveyors performed during loading and unloading this season.

"If bottlenecks occurred, consider adding faster, higher-capacity handling equipment for next season to keep harvest operations moving efficiently," he suggests.

What can automation add?

Smart grain management technology now automates bin and dryer operations and allows remote monitoring. GSI's GrainVue system monitors grain temperature, moisture and inventory, and automates fans to cool, store or rehydrate grain. It also detects carbon dioxide, an early indicator of potential spoilage.

Advances in dryer control technology help farmers avoid overdrying, which costs money over time, Sheley notes.

Where are the safety gaps?

Many safety upgrades to existing bins and handling equipment come at relatively low cost and reduce the risk of entrapment, falls and mechanical injuries.

The most important measure, Sheley says, is eliminating the need to enter a bin to inspect grain. "Most entrapments are due to grain quality issues," he says. "Make sure grain is dry and storable, and consider installing a bin monitoring system to help maintain grain in good condition."

Why it matters for 2027

"Grain systems are among the best investments farmers can make to maximize grain quality and profitability," Sheley adds. "Optimizing grain system performance is something to keep in mind when planning for 2027."

Farmers wanting to act on the checklist before next season can contact their grain system dealer or visit grainsystems.com.