Preservation Of High Moisture Grains By Organic Acids

By Claire Jenkinson-Johns

Over the last century there have been significant advances in the preservation of grains. Traditional methods included field drying and artificial drying which require a considerable initial investment. The preservation of high moisture grains by chemical treatment is an alternative method that was introduced about a decade ago. This preservation method has many benefits and is now considered an effective and affordable tool.

Over the centuries there has been many techniques tried and tested to preserve grains. Moulds and bacteria are the main culprits for spoiling grain, along with rodents. Moulds are common contaminants in animal feeds. Conditions that favour moulds are high moisture levels, warm temperatures, the presence of oxygen, and prolonged storage time. Moulds are toxigenic and produce mycotoxins and consume valuable feed nutrients.

While preservation of grain grown for human consumption is very much controlled, grain that is used for livestock has more options when it comes to preservation techniques. Preserving high moisture grains by chemical treatment is a method considered suitable for livestock grain. The most suitable treatment is short-chain volatile fatty acids, such as propionic, acetic, and isobutyric. These are non-toxic to mammals and produce no mutagenic, carcinogenic, or teratogenic properties. Research has shown that these organic acids do not affect the nutritional value of grain and do not transfer residues to meat, milk poultry and eggs.

Applying appropriate organic acids at proper rates, based on moisture level of the grain and duration of the storage, reduces the PH of the grain to near 4. This inhibits development of a wide range of microorganisms, such as mould, yeast and bacteria, which are responsible for spoilage. Besides extending the shelf life, organic acids also maintain the nutritional value of the grain.

Harvesting high moisture grain and preserving it by chemical treatment enables earlier harvesting by 2-3 weeks which may reduce labour and weather problems with harvest. Organic acids also require less capital investment than other storage methods, particularly compared to drying. Treated grain can also be transported longer distances without risk of spoilage. However, as stated earlier, organic acids should only be used in grains preserved for livestock, and unfortunately they do not repel rodents.

Although chemical treatment is an effective and affordable tool to preserve grain, acids are corrosive so they must be handled carefully and with the correct equipment. Make sure you use the correct chemical measuring device and chemical resistant drum pumps when dispensing any acid liquid in an agricultural or horticultural environment.

Claire Jenkinson-Johns is the Managing Director The New Zealand Pump Company who manufacture Ezi-action® Drumpumps.

Ezi-action® Drumpumps are proven as effective for use with organic acids to preserve grain. Ezi-action® Drumpumps are also used around the world by manufacturers of dairy hygiene chemicals, crop chemical companies, and for dispensing mineral supplements and liquid fertilizers in many countries including New Zealand and Australia.

Ezi-action® Drumpumps are also used in horticulture, hydroponics, viticulture, nurseries and aquaculture. They are used in the turf sector and in land conservation for dispensing agri-chemicals for weed control. They are available from rural supply companies and catalogue companies.

The Aquaponics Business Scheme

By Leah Moore

The aquaponics business is a practical way of earning money through a simple yet effective farming method where farmers can yield and sell both fish and vegetable products at a much higher rate.

There are several important things to know on how to start your aquaponics business:

1. Do a research about aquaponics business and gather information on how to establish and manage the business. Seek expert advice on how to operate aquaponics farming.

2. Look for a qualified consultant in preparing the detailed business plan for the aquaponics farm. The plan should be consist of financial statement including the cash flow, estimated start-up and sales statement.

3. Look for a location where you want to setup the farm. Choose a place where temperatures are not too high and nor too low. Ensure that the area is free of harmful chemicals since this will damage and eventually, kill the fish and the plants. Also, be sure that the plants get enough or sufficient light to ensure that they are able to perform the photosynthesis, a vital process in the production of their food.

4. Prepare all the necessary materials needed for aquaponics farming including the fish tanks, water pumps, growing medium for your plants, and grow beds in which the plants will be grown.

5. Register your aquaponics farm to get the required business permit and licenses from Internal Revenue service to acquire Employer Identification Number and to comply with the federal tax requirements. This is necessary for you to avoid legal issues as you go along with your Aquaponics business.

Knowing how to build and operate a commercial aquaponics system comprises three core functions.

o Marketing
o Operations
o Finance

Marketing is the most important part because in business, nothing happens until someone sells something.

An aquaponics business relies heavily to the technology being used in the aquaponics farming method. Since it's a more economical and effective way to grow plants and fish with excellent quality, drawing more potential customers are much easier compared to traditional farming. We all know that in this generation all things are run on high technology that we're used to. That's why aquaponics farmers seek professional recommendation to guide them on how to effectively and efficiently manage their farm and gather recent developments in aquaponics business.

Others may still be skeptical and have mind boggling questions in mind. Has anyone successfully operated a profitable commercial aquaponics business? The answer is yes. This is so, because as the years passed, the business system has improved-investors are getting smarter and people have become more business minded, finding better ways in improving how to operate their business. And remember, success depends on one's patience and love for the business.

We have to face the reality that oftentimes economics is more important than anything else. We have to show our knowledge and profitability so that the financial community will show interest in our business industry. This is also an opportunity for you to help in restoring the healthy state of our environment by producing food in a much safer way-free of harmful chemicals and toxic elements.

Leah Moore is an expert in aquaponics gardening. Her years of experience in both researching and applying innovative ways in Aquaponics System has made her able to successfully help aquaponics enthusiast to learn strategies and techniques in improving the system. Learn more about aquaponics business from her.