At IntelliFarms Northern Division (IFND), we are committed to helping our customers improve their grain storage practices through advanced technology and expert support. One of the most important aspects of grain storage is rehydration, particularly for crops like soybeans, where optimal moisture levels are critical for maintaining quality and maximizing profits.
We recently worked with a customer who made the switch from manual grain storage management to OPI full automation, and the results were nothing short of impressive. Let’s take a look at how our OPI helped this grower save time, increase profits, and ensure their soybeans were stored under ideal conditions.
The Challenge: Manual Storage Management
The grower, who uses a 33′ 16K bushel grain bin, initially managed their soybean storage manually. In their first year of operation, they spent about $600 on fan run time and ended up with an average moisture content of 11% by the time they took the grain to market.
While this might seem like a reasonable spend, manual management came with significant challenges:
- Time-consuming: The grower had to regularly check the grain and manually adjust the fans, which took up valuable time during the busy harvest and storage period.
- Unpredictable: Without automated systems to regulate conditions, the grower had to rely on their own judgment to make adjustments for moisture and temperature fluctuations, which led to inefficiencies.
- Lack of Peace of Mind: Managing grain manually can be stressful. Without a system in place to continuously monitor and adjust, the grower was left worrying about spoilage and grain quality throughout the storage period.
The OPI Solution: Automated Grain Management
The grower decided to upgrade to OPI Blue automation to help manage their soybean storage. The OPI Blue system provided the ability to rehydrate soybeans effectively by introducing high moisture air into the grain bin using a connected weather station.
Here’s how the OPI Blue system helped improve efficiency:
- Fan run time cost: The cost increased slightly to $1,000 compared to manual operation, but this modest increase was worth it for the added benefits.
- Moisture content: The automated system targeted 13% moisture and successfully hydrated from 10.9% moisture in just a couple of months.
- Increased weight: The system helped add over 36,000 lbs to the grain weight due to effective rehydration.
- Profit increase: The grower saw a $6,000 increase in profit thanks to the higher grain weight and improved moisture content.
At Fill (9/30/24) Performance:
At Market (4/30/25) Performance:
Why OPI Automation Makes a Difference
The key advantage of OPI Blue automation is its ability to optimize grain quality by running fans efficiently and automatically, based on real-time weather data. By automating the process, the grower was able to:
- Improve grain quality: By controlling moisture levels precisely, the soybeans remained in peak condition, enhancing both the quality and marketability of the grain.
- Reduce labor: The automated system took the guesswork and labor out of the equation, saving the grower time and effort during the storage period.
- Increase profitability: The added weight gained through rehydration boosted the grain’s value, leading to a better return on investment when the soybeans were sold.
The Benefits of OPI Full Automation
This case study demonstrates the numerous advantages of using OPI Blue automation for grain management:
- Increased Profit: Automated systems like OPI Blue help optimize storage conditions and increase grain weight, directly impacting profitability.
- Efficiency: Automating critical tasks like fan control and moisture regulation reduces the need for manual intervention, saving time and energy.
- Peace of Mind: With OPI automation, the grower no longer had to worry about spoilage or manually adjusting conditions. The system worked behind the scenes to maintain ideal grain conditions.
- Sustainability: By optimizing grain storage and reducing waste, OPI systems allow farmers to store grain more efficiently and increase its market value.
Get Started Today
At IntelliFarms Northern Division, we’re here to help you take the guesswork out of grain management and increase your profitability. Whether you’re looking to upgrade from manual management or optimize your existing system, OPI Blue automation offers the reliability and efficiency you need.
If you’re ready to improve your grain storage and conditioning, contact us today to schedule a site visit. We’ll provide a free ROI report and help you implement an automated system that will optimize your grain quality and profitability.