Last week we visited a working flour mill at the KSU International Grains Program complex. For your final blog posting, please address the following questions:
1) What is the major difference between managing pests at preharvest (i.e., in the field) versus post harvest (i.e., stored or processed materials)?
2) It was mentioned many time during the tour that proper sanitation is key to preventing pest outbreaks. What are some of the main challenges in keeping a clean flour mill? Why are older mills harder to keep clean? If you were building a mill of your own, what things should you keep in mind as you think about sanitation? (I've included some photos to help "inspire" you.)
3) Phosphine is a great fumigant for controlling many grain insect pests. However, should you use something like this in a flour mill? Why or why not? Keep in mind, your answer could end up saving or costing you thousands of dollars!
4) In the picture below, Dr. Campbell was discussing multiple tactics used to reduced or eliminate insects from attacking stored grain before it makes its way to the mill. You've just harvested your first load of corn and you're about to auger it into the bin. What did you do insure that your summer-long investment will be well-protected until the time it's sold? (I'm looking for as many preventative control strategies as possible here.)
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