How Connected Technology Is Protecting Grain Quality From Bin to Market
As grain storage capacity grows, so does the risk of post-harvest loss. Connected technologies are giving farmers, co-ops, and grain managers new tools to monitor and protect quality long after harvest ends. In a recent Ag Tech Talk podcast by CropLife’s sister brand, AgriBusiness Global, Alan Lockwood of GSI explained how real-time monitoring, remote controls, and data insights are reshaping the way the industry approaches grain conditioning and storage.
Old Habits vs. New Tech
Many grain managers rely on traditional methods — climbing bins, checking moisture levels manually, and relying on experience. Lockwood notes that habits and long-standing routines are often the biggest barrier to adopting connected technology, even more than cost or learning curves.
“Grain management has traditionally meant climbing a bin and relying on experience — even something as basic as smelling what’s coming out… Those norms can be hard to change,” Lockwood said.
Monitoring Tools Help Protect Quality
Connected platforms now allow operators to see inside the bin without climbing it, detect early spoilage, and manage drying more efficiently. This is especially important as storage bins grow from hundreds of thousands to multiple million-bushel capacities.
“As storage capacity increases, so does the potential for loss. In that context, monitoring systems are a relatively modest investment to protect what’s already been stored,” Lockwood explained.
Remote Management Meets Labor Challenges
Remote dryer control and real-time alerts help producers manage labor constraints during peak harvest, ensuring timely interventions and protecting both crop quality and profitability.
By integrating connected technology, grain managers can shift from reactive approaches to data-driven decisions, reducing risk and maximizing value from each harvest.
To hear more insights from Alan Lockwood on how connected technology is transforming grain conditioning and storage, listen to the full Ag Tech Talk podcast today.
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