Prairie grain  framers have had a good year as media reports here and here, but their bounty brings a serious and very old problem to the fore: what’s the best way to store grain?

Clip from CBC’s The National

For thousands of years, grains have formed the basis of the human diet. Access to a consistent supply of quality grains is the lifeblood for countries so any loss in quality or quantity can have far-reaching effects. Yet post-harvest losses continue to range from nine per cent in North America to 50 per cent in developing countries. In the latter, high losses can contribute to famine.

Digvir Jayas, a distinguished professor as well as vice-president (Research and International) at the U of M, has dedicated his life’s work to this issue. He held a Canada Research Chair in Stored-Grain Ecosystems, and his research focuses on advanced methods to storing grains. Access to a consistent supply of quality grains and their products is integral to the health and economy of the developing and developed world.

His research has three main objectives: reduce the qualitative and quantitative losses in stored grains; develop mathematical models of stored grain ecosystems to explain the causes of grain deterioration that results from interactions of biotic and abiotic variables; and develop innovative techniques such as machine vision for monitoring the quality of grain and incorporate these techniques into the current grain receiving, cleaning, binning and shipping systems.

His research will lead to improved grain quality for consumers, increased cost efficiency for farmers, and reduced waste product.

For media looking to speak to Prof. Jayas, please contact Sean Moore, Marketing Communications Office, University of Manitoba, 204-474-7963 (sean_moore@umanitoba.ca). 

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