Looking to outlast low commodity prices by storing soybeans long-term? If the hope of higher prices in the future has you considering extended storage, here are the top three factors to monitor to make sure your long-term storage plan is successful.
Soybean storage moisture
To maintain grain quality in storage, soybeans must remain cool and dry. For short-term storage (in winter months), the general benchmark for soybean storage is 13% moisture. However, for long-term storage (through spring and summer), soybeans should be drier, ideally 11% to 12% moisture for seed stored over one planting season.
In long-term storage, moisture greater than 12% poses an increased risk of mold and fungal growth and, subsequently, a higher risk of grain spoilage. Even in short-term storage, research has shown soybean stored at 12% moisture and 70 F for four months had compromised oil content.¹
While grain temperature does affect moisture readings (cold grain generally produces low readings unless moisture has condensed on the surface), most newer moisture testers will take into account grain temperature and make the appropriate corrections.² To get the most accurate moisture assessment, account for normal variability in moisture readers by testing three times and averaging the readings.
Soybean storage temperature
Airflow in soybean storage bins is key to keeping seed cool. Full bins should be aerated immediately to remove heat.
In winter, grain temperatures should remain between 35 F and 45 F to help avoid mold growth and reduce insect activity in stored grain. In summer, keep grain temperatures between 40 F and 60 F.
In general, cool grain any time the average air temperature drops approximately 20 F cooler than the grain temperature.
The time required to fully cool grain and even out grain temperatures via aeration depends on the fan size, or airflow. For example, bins equipped with only small aeration fans may require a week or more. You can calculate total cooling hours by dividing 15 by the cubic feet per minute of airflow per bushel. ³
To prevent uneven grain temperatures, it is better to run the fan too long versus not long enough. Even if your soybean moisture is sitting between 13% and 15%, bin fans can dry the beans down to that ideal moisture content of 10% to 12% for long-term storage.⁴
Soybean storage bins
No matter the season, continually monitoring storage bins is critical during long soybean storage periods. You should check bins every two weeks, or whenever a dramatic temperature change occurs.
When checking bins, be on the lookout for signs of crusting or of inconsistent moisture levels. When aerating bins, pay attention to the first flush of exhaust air; if it smells musty or sour, this can indicate molding.
Smart soybean storage is a season-long endeavor
Setting yourself up to successfully store soybeans long-term starts at the beginning of the season with quality seed. Selecting a top-performing soybean seed is critical for producing a high-yielding crop that can withstand storage.
Another factor to maintaining soybean quality long-term involves proper fungicides use. In-season soybean fungicide applications can lead to more uniform harvested moisture, less damage to the soybean seed coat and less foreign material that can be prone to spoilage.
With quality seed, proper management practices and crop protection products, you can make the most of long-term soybean storage.
Experts are available to help you make your decisions. Reach out to your seed retailer, a nearby extension office agent or a seed company professional like your regional BASF representative.
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Endnotes
- Cabello Leiva, Sergio. “Storing soy: Tips on keeping beans safe, dry.” Minnesota Soybean, 2 Oct. 2025, mnsoybean.org/storing-soy-tips-on-keeping-beans-safe-dry/. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.
- Hurburgh, Charles R. “Using Farm Moisture Testers.” DSpace, Iowa State University, dr.lib.iastate.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/1e322c75-a91f-42be-a236-c6cba8cf63d4/content. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.
- TeBockhorst, Kristina, and Shawn Shouse. “Cool Stored Grain Now.” Integrated Crop Management, Iowa State University, 2019, crops.extension.iastate.edu/post/cool-stored-grain-now. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.
- Licht, Mark. “Storing Soybean.” Integrated Crop Management, Iowa State University, crops.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/storing-soybean. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.
