26.08.2026
A prolonged blockage of deep-sea exports from Ukrainian ports could soon lead to a shortage of equipment for preparing grain for storage. Alternative grain export routes via the Danube and the western border are unable to fully replace seaports; consequently, most farmers are currently fulfilling only contracts concluded previously, whilst the remainder of the new harvest is being held in storage awaiting the resumption of operations at the seaports. Thus, This season’s high harvest and the weakened logistics network are forcing Ukrainian agricultural producers to start looking for additional ways to store their grain.
There are a number of necessary conditions for long-term storage: from choosing the right grain warehouse to the appropriate preparation and processing of the grain. However, simply having a storage facility is not enough to guarantee that the harvest will be preserved. In this article, we will discuss effective, modern equipment that ensures long-term storage without significant harvest losses.
First and foremost, this involves high-quality cleaning using grain-cleaning separators, air separators and blocks of indented cylinders.
The next stage is drying, if necessary. However, hydrothermal treatment is a critical process for the long-term and stable storage of grain, especially if the grain is harvested from the field with high moisture content and is already infested with spores.
Hydrothermal Grain Processing is the key to preventing pest infestation, dampness and mould in grain during storage. One of the most effective methods of fighting mould in grain and preventing its occurrence is steaming. During this crucial stage of hydrothermal treatment, Steamers marked ПЗ effectively destroy mould spores and restore the technological properties of the grain mass in the early stages of microbiological spoilage, when only the outer husks are affected, whilst the kernel and endosperm remain undamaged. Steaming is a well-known method of combating mould, which has repeatedly saved large quantities of the harvest. Exposure of grain to high temperatures and moisture completely alters its biochemical properties. This makes it resistant to external environmental factors. Therefore, steaming significantly increases the grain’s storage life.
However, it is important to remember the following:
- After steaming, the moisture content of the grain increases rapidly. To ensure that the steaming process is beneficial, the grain must be dried immediately to the required standards. It is only after passing through the Dryers that the grain acquires the properties of a long-life product.
- Loss of germination. Heat treatment kills the embryo. Steamed grain must not be used as seed. Consequently, this method is only suitable for food-grade grain that is to be processed into flour, groats or flakes.
A properly processed harvest is safer to store. That is why farmers are opting for modern equipment. Start considering ways to improve the shelf life of your produce now.
You can find out more about hydrothermal treatment equipment and other machines in the section Hydrothermal Grain Processing.
