A simple low-cost method of determining whether it is safe to store maize

Reliable moisture measurement during drying is key to ensuring that grain is dried adequately to meet market requirements and be safe from spoilage by fungi in storage. While simple hand-held moisture meters are available for use by farmers in industrialized countries, smallholder farmers in developing countries cannot afford these devices and rely on subjective methods based on touch and feel to determine grain moisture. In this study, a simple, low-cost method to determine whether maize is dry enough for storage was developed based on the use of an affordable hygrometer and EMC/ERH relationship for maize. The Mini Digital hygrometer, the lowest cost hygrometer of 5 types tested, was the best based on its accuracy, device-to-device variability and ability to clearly distinguish various moistures of maize. A simple illustrated information-card was developed to guide farmers on using the device and for testing its accuracy

The Adoption of Drying Added-Value Technologies in the Specialty Crop Industry

Value-added technologies can benefit specialty crops growers by leading to an increase profitability and improving access to markets. This study categorized and explored the main characteristics of farmers on the spectrum of adoption of drying value-added technologies. Farmers were categorized as 1) considering drying, 2) currently drying, 3) stopped drying, or 4) never dried. There were more women and minority farmers drying specialty crops than farmers with genders and races/ethnicities. There was a greater proportion of diversified operations, those selling through local markets, and those using food labels among farmers using drying technologies to add value to their products

The economics of biomass collection and transportation and its supply to Indiana cellulosic and electric utility facilities

Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,