Grain cooling: Five ways to maximise your harvest revenue this season
5th June 2025
For any arable farm, harvest is not only one of the busiest times of year, but also one of the most critical when it comes to profitability.
With long days, high pressure, and a huge amount of physical and logistical effort involved, even small oversights can have costly consequences.
Poor planning can lead to unnecessary downtime, wasted resources, and – most significantly – reduced revenue.
To help keep your harvest running smoothly and your margins healthy, Plug&Cool has outlined five practical ways to make the most of the season.
1. Get ahead with equipment servicing
Farm machinery represents one of the most significant investments for arable farmers and keeping it in good working order is essential. Combines, sprayers, spreaders – each piece plays a vital role, and any unexpected breakdown during harvest can be both disruptive and expensive.
Regular maintenance and pre-harvest servicing can prevent costly repairs and reduce downtime at the worst possible moment. Give yourself time to check everything thoroughly, replace worn parts, and ensure your machines are ready to perform under pressure.
2. Clean and prepare your grain store
It might seem obvious, but it’s surprising how often cleanliness is overlooked in the rush to get ready for harvest.
A spotless grain store is essential for protecting your crop from pests such as rodents and insects, which can easily be introduced via leftover grain, structural gaps, or unclean machinery.
Before bringing in any new crop, ensure your grain store is completely cleaned down.
Check the roof for leaks, repair any signs of water ingress, and make sure the store is properly sealed against birds and vermin.
Clean equipment thoroughly and remove all residual grain from previous harvests – just a handful left behind can become a food source for pests.
3. Control grain temperature effectively
Once grain is in storage, maintaining the right temperature and moisture levels is key to preserving its quality.
Good ventilation is crucial – ensure there’s adequate space between the grain and the ceiling and consider installing gable end fans to encourage airflow.
Plug&Cool grain cooling fans, combined with poly pedestals are a great way to keep air circulated within your grain pile.
Temperature probes and moisture meters are useful tools to monitor and manage storage conditions.
Plug&Cool always recommends the AgroLog Wireless Sensor Spear to continuously measure the internal temperature of your grain, allowing you to detect hotspots early.
This helps prevent mould growth and insect infestations before they spread. If you’re using pedestal fans or underfloor ventilation, check that the system is suitable for the volume of grain being stored.
Fans that are underpowered for the job may struggle to draw out heat effectively from deep grain piles, increasing the risk of spoilage.
4. Bring in reinforcements
Harvest can stretch even the most efficient teams. Depending on your farm’s size and output, hiring additional help may be a wise move.
Temporary workers can ease the workload, allowing you to focus on management and decision-making rather than becoming overwhelmed by day-to-day tasks.
Whether it’s driving machinery, handling grain, or general support, bringing in extra hands can make a real difference to the success of the season.
There are a number of agricultural websites which are great resources for finding agricultural labour.
5. Time it right
Timing is everything during harvest. While many farms traditionally aim to harvest from late August through early September, changing weather patterns and crop varieties mean it’s more important than ever to remain flexible.
Keep a close eye on your crop’s moisture levels and the condition of your soil.
Investing in monitoring tools can help you make informed decisions about the best time to bring your crop in, ensuring optimum yield and quality.
Final thoughts
Preparing for harvest can feel like a monumental task, but by covering the basics and taking a proactive approach, you’ll give yourself the best chance of a smooth, successful season.
A well-maintained machine, a clean and pest-free store, and a strategic plan can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your crop – and your profits.
The Plug&Cool team is heading back to Lincolnshire this June for the Cereals show.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective, energy-efficient solution for optimal grain storage, be sure to visit the company’s stand at the event.
Cereals stand number: 536
Read more cereals news.
