State Licensed Grain Warehouse Keepers
Things to consider when storing grain in temporary and emergency structures, Ag bags, or ground piles:
- Only company owned, and no depositor grain, can be stored in free flowing uncontained ground piles {Wis. Stat. s. 126.25}.
- All storage structures used to store depositor grain must be added to your licensed storage capacity before you begin storing depositor grain in those structures {Wis. Stat. s. 126.26(10)}. This includes all temporary storage, ag bags, and rented/leased offsite or farm storage.
- Storage must be adequate to maintain the quality and quantity of grain stored for depositors {Wis. Stat. s. 126.34(3)}. While there are no specific requirements, best practices include:
- Using a concrete or asphalt base surface sufficient to sustain use of heavy machinery and that slopes away from the center or has no low points where water can pool.
- Using aeration and a puncture resistant cover, preferably white.
- Monitoring the temperature of the grain periodically over the time it remains in storage.
- Putting only good quality, low moisture grain in these structures.
- For Ag Bags, clearing and mowing dirt ground surfaces to prevent puncturing.
Grain Producers/Depositors
Things for producers to consider and questions to ask:
- Does the business you intend to store grain with have a grain warehouse keeper license?
- Where in the facility will your grain be stored?
- Does it appear that storage structures are adequate to maintain the quality of grain stored? (see best practices above)
- Be aware of all storage charges, discounts, and deductions before you deliver or sell your grain.
- Be sure to obtain proper scale tickets, receipts, settlement sheets, and monthly storage statements.
- If you are selling your grain rather than storing your grain, make sure the buyer holds a grain dealer license.
- Once you sell your grain, you must receive payment within 7 days of the date delivered and sold, unless you have entered into a proper deferred payment contract. See https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/126.19.