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Proper grain storage vital to reducing dangers of grain bins

A risk management consultant with Nationwide Agribusiness says tight margins and record crop production means ensuring proper grain storage is more important than ever.

Derek Hommer, who’s also a farmer and firefighter in southern Iowa, says it not only protects the bottom line but it’s also important for on-farm safety.

“Keeping your grain in good condition, monitoring that condition, pulling good cores out are all things that keep that grain flowing out of the bin well.”  He says, “And if the grain flows out of the bin, there’s no reason for me to go in it.”

He tells Brownfield the goal should be to establish a zero-entry policy for grain bins.

“We’re going to try to avoid going in that bin as much as we possibly can, and then if we have to, we’re going to do so in a safe manner.”  He says, “We’re talking about all those confined space entry requirements, and that includes having an attendant, having a lifeline, lockout/tag out, gas monitoring, all the things that people need to do to stay safe.”

Hommer says in 2024, at least 34 grain entrapments were documented, a 25% increase from 2023.

Each year, the third week of February is designated National Grain Bin Safety Week to highlight the dangers presented around grain storage.

AUDIO: Derek Hommer – Nationwide Insurance