Farmers should get their grain dryers inspected early to ensure they’re ready to run this fall if needed, says Keystone Agricultural Producers’ (KAP) president Ian Wishart.
“If they’re not approved the gas fitter or inspector, depending on who comes, can’t hook them up, then the dealer won’t fill them with propane,” Wishart said in an interview. “Because of changes in the code there are some existing dryers out there that may very well have problems getting service and propane too.”
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With all the rain Manitoba farmers have received so far this growing season, there’s a good chance grain dryers will be running flat out this harvest, Wishart said.
Last year one farmer waited six weeks for parts before he could run his dryer, he said.
Most of the trouble is with gas regulators, Wishart said. They are approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), but not for their current application in grain dryers.
“It’s very misleading to the dealers and the farmers,” Wishart said.
“I’m really encouraging everybody who is planning to give their dryer a good workout to look at it and have their dealer come and look at it.”
