The Rural Voice, 1978-09, Page 31"To put a solar covering on a standard
bin. paint the south roof black and
construct a fiber glass roof six inches above
it," says Mr. Stone. "This creates a duct
that allows air to be naturally heated as it
rises to the peak of the roof."
Before the air reaches the grain,
moisture is removed by electric heating
coils near the top of the bin.
"Then a fan draws the dehumidified air
through the grain to the perforated metal
drying floor."
Placed eight inches above the concrete
floor, this structure ensures grain is dried
at the bottom of the bin. A fan at the outer
wal 1 creates a partial vacuum in this
eight -inch space to draw air out of the bin.
As much as 26 percent moisture can be
removed by the solar method. However,
Mr. Stone says it is risky to dry grain with
higher moisture contents unless high
temperature dryers are incorporated.
"It is difficult to determine dollar
savings with this system because each
farmer's operation is different," he says.
"For instance, grain moisture fluctuates
according to weather conditions, and size
of bin also affects drying rates."
If fuel -generated high-temperature
dryers are used with the solar technique ,
then savings obviously decrease.
An advantage of the slower drying,
low-temperature method is the absence of
stress cracks in grain kernels. Farmers
using the solar technique report the better
quality grain is worth premium prices for
specialized markets such as starch, seed
and brewery companies.
Half the cost of installing a solar energy
system is financed by the Innovator
Incentive Program, operated jointly by the
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food
(OMAF) and Agricutlure Canada. Details
are available at local OMAF county offices.
Discourage
sap beetles
with spray
Blemished tomatoes and corn, and
'picked raspberries are a picnic for sap
beetles. The small, dark beetles suck juices
from vulnerable areas of these fruits and
vegetables.
Professor H.W. Goble, advisor to the
Pest Diagnostic and Advisory Clinic.
Guelph, says sap beetles can be identified
by two yellow spots on each wing cover.
This insect is most destructive during
tomato season when it bores into the fruit
through cracked and bruised areas.
Sweet
beetles.
damage
beetles.
corn is just as appetizing to sap
Corn borer, earworm or bird
exposes the corn to invasion by
Sap beetles can be discouraged
from infesting sweet corn by controlling
can borer with the use of sevin spray
according to the manufacturer's directions
"Remove picked raspberries from the
field as soon as possible or use a protective
cover if a long interval between picking and
transport to the packing shed is likely,"
says Professor Goble. "Unmarketable
berries should be placed in a special
container for burial. The odor of spoiled
fruit on the ground attracts beetles."
In tomato fields, control is maintained by
removing cracked and squashed tomatoes.
Sap beetles do . not feed on healthy
tomatoes.
"Maintain roadways in the field at
reasonable distances to allow movement of
farm vehicles without crushing tomatoes.
•Try not to crack or bruise fruit during
picking and handling," Professor Goble
says.
Harvesting tomatoes close to factory
delivery time reduces the chance of beetle
invasion. Hampers should be exposed to
the strongest winds in the field. Placing
picked tomatoes in a sheltered areaor near
buildings encourages fermentation that
attracts the insect.
Researchers have
of sap beetles in
increasing acreages
the beetles' winter
linked the appearance
the last 15 years to
of Ontario field corn.
hibernation site.
— CLAY
Silo Unloaders
Feeders
Cleaners
Liquid Manure Equipment
Hoe Equipment
— BUTLER
Silo Unloaders
Feeders
Conveyors
— FARMATIC
Mills
Augers. -etc.-
- ACORN
Manure Pumps
Cleaners
Heated Waterers
— WESTEEL — ROSCO —
Granaries
—B&L
Hog Confinements Systems
Ventilation Systems
LOWRY
FARM SYSTEMS
at Amberley
[R.R.#1, Kincardine]
Phone 395-5286
LUCKNOW
CUSTOM WELDING and
MACHINE SHOP
Manufacturers of
- farrowing crates,
- wearer decks
- farm gates
- ornamental
railing
Phone 528-3835
Lucknow, Ontario
THE RURAL VOICE/SEPTEMBER 1978 PG.31