Grain Temperature Monitoring Goes Really High-Tech

Grain Temperature Monitoring Goes Really High-Tech GRAIN HANDLING Accessories “When Rich Cook started his own grain temperature monitoring company TSGC in 1982 I’d wager he had no idea how popular the product would be where the technology would go or how many countries it would be sold in ” says Dan Winkowitsch General Manager of TSGC located in Storm Lake Iowa “Originally Rich thought he’d be doing business in 3 states so he named the business Tri-States Grain Conditioning Today our products are used in every state and province that grows or ships grain and in more than 40 countries worldwide ” Winkowitsch says that one of TSGC’s most popular products is GrainTRAC a system that reads and sends temperature data to a cell phone tablet computer or any other device with internet access “It’s a 24/7 anywhere in the world application that removes the guesswork from grain storage monitoring ” says Winkowitsch Opening the app on a smart phone tablet or computer reveals a color screen Winkowitsch says “If the screen is green everything is good If it’s orange that’s caution and if it’s red you’d better move fast to fix it ” Recently the company added a theft control device to its product line The monitor attaches to the loadout auger motor on a grain bin and sends an alert to the owner’s phone if the auger is operating when it isn’t supposed to The company also markets portable grain monitors bearing monitors and thermocouple temperature cables Its temperature cables can also be used to monitor all types of commodities including hay temperature when bales are stored in stacks or barns Over the years Winkowitsch says the company has heard numerous horror stories about farmers and even commercial operations that have left grain temperature monitoring to chance or who have outdated equipment “Grain is a living mass that’s constantly affected by its environment so monitoring is vitally important ” Winkowitsch says “In 2016 there will be large amounts of grain stored in piles on slabs inside machine sheds and even outside on the ground We have the products to monitor and report temperature with instant and accurate information Our sensors work virtually anywhere ” Winkowitsch says a typical TSGC GrainTRAC system for a 36-ft bin with a 26-ft side wall retails for about $2 500 and includes temperature cables transmitter and monitor Contact: FARM SHOW Followup TSGC Inc P O Box 468 Spirit Lake Iowa 51360 ph 712 336-0199; www tsgcinc com

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