AT Plastics Inc. - Use of the AT Plastics Grain Bag

Suggestions for the Use of the Grain Bag

Grain Bag Storage Site:

	Place all grain bags on a flat, well drained, hard, level surface
	Crushed gravel, sand, concrete and asphalt are ideal sites
	Locate grain bags in areas for easy removal of grain
	Protect the storage area from livestock
	Protect grain bags from wind damage (e.g. Place tires or other items on the ends of filled bags)

Maintenance Grain Bags:

	Inspect on a regular basis and mend holes with Patch Tape
	Do not allow dogs, cats and other animals to climb on the grain bags
	Number and date your grain bags for easy identification and recall of grains bagged
	Vent the grain bag when necessary (for high moisture grain)
	Do not leave your grain bag open over night.

Filling the Grain Bag:

	Do not allow the grain to become contaminated with dirt
	Do not allow the bagging machine to remain hooked up to the bag for long periods of time with grain still left in the hopper or tunnel (for high moisture grain)

Stretch Bar:

	Follow the recommended manufacturer's direction on the correct use of the stretch bar.
	Be sure to follow manufacturers direction on total stretch.
	Measurement from outside to outside of printed stretch bar

Venting (for high moisture grain):

	Place a 3-4 inch strip of patch tape at the end of the grain bag
	Using a utility knife, place a 1 - 1 1/2 inch slit through the patch tape and the grain bag
	When the pressure from the escaping gas can not be detected by touch, reseal the grain bag with another 3-4 inch strip of patch tape
	Do not breath in the escaping gases (the gases are toxic)
	Remember to seal the vent every evening

Rodent Control:

	Monitor the grain bags on a regular basis for any rodent, bird or livestock damage
	Repair any holes or tears with Patch Tape or Patch Paint
	Do not use elemental sulfur or any other chemical means for rodent/pest control. Life expectancy of the polyethylene film is greatly reduced when exposed to chemicals.
	Keep the bag storage yard clean of garbage and free from weeds
	Ideal storage sites include a gravel/sand based site, concrete or asphalt
	Control the growth of weeds and grasses through mechanical means or through the use of the approved chemical Round Up® (manufactured by Monsanto)

Use of Elemental Sulfur?

Past experiences have show that the risk of polyethylene film becoming brittle is increased when exposed to elemental sulfur and other chemical types. The risk of the grain bags splitting and tearing is also increased due to the polyethylene film becoming brittle -- particularly when the bag is under stress from being filled.

AT Plastics® recommends that ideal grain storage sites should be comprised of either a sand/gravel base, concrete or asphalt. Control of weeds and long grasses should be accomplished through mechanical means (mowers, weed eaters, etc.), or by using the approved chemical Round Up® (manufactured by Monsanto). The site should also be free of garbage or other nuisance piles.