ABHR speaks to Steven and Joshua Morrison from Agridry about the various solutions on offer to dry grain in any area of Australia.
Managing unpredictable weather conditions during harvest has always been a challenge for Australian farmers.
Rain, humidity, and sudden temperature changes can lead to significant grain losses, quality deterioration, and storage issues.
Agridry, an Australian manufacturer of grain drying technology, is providing innovative solutions that allow farmers to take control of their harvests, reduce weather-related risks, and improve profitability.
Harvesting earlier
One of the key advantages of using Agridry’s grain drying technology is the ability to harvest earlier, without being at the mercy of ideal weather conditions.
“Farmers no longer have to wait for the perfect conditions,” Agridry managing director Steven Morrison said. “They can harvest at higher moisture levels and use our dryers to bring the grain down to the required standard.”
By drying grain in a controlled environment rather than leaving it in the paddock to dry naturally, farmers can reduce weather-related losses.
“Unexpected rains, high humidity, and storms can cause sprouting and grain quality deterioration,” he said. “Our technology minimises these risks by ensuring farmers have a reliable method to dry their crops, protecting their yield and profitability.”
Additionally, drying grain before storage prevents spoilage and other quality issues.
“High-moisture grain stored in silos can lead to mould growth, self-heating, and increased risk of spoilage,” Agridry general manager Joshua Morrison said. “By drying the grain before storage, we ensure safe long-term storage and prevent financial losses.”
The Australian-made advantage
Agridry’s dryers are specifically designed for Australian conditions, making them well-suited for local businesses.
“Our dryers are built to withstand hot, dry summers, humid coastal climates, and unpredictable inland weather patterns,” Steven said. “Australian farmers face unique challenges, and our technology is tailored to meet their needs.”
Durability and reliability are also key advantages of Agridry’s products. “We have dryers that are 30 to 40 years old and still running,” Steven said. “Australian manufacturing standards are high, ensuring long-term performance. Plus, because we manufacture locally, we have parts readily available – unlike imported alternatives, where farmers may face long delays waiting for shipments.”
Another benefit is energy efficiency. “Our machines are designed to work with Australian power supplies and fuel options,” Joshua said.
“Diesel is often the most viable fuel for Australian farmers, whereas alternatives like LPG can be costly. We also continue to explore hybrid energy solutions, such as solar and hydrogen, to reduce operational costs.”
On-farm flexibility
Agridry’s Predator mobile grain dryer also enhances flexibility and efficiency during harvest.
“The Predator series is fully mobile, allowing farmers to move the dryer directly to where it’s needed,” Joshua said. “This reduces transport costs and delays, enabling farmers to dry their grain on-site as soon as it’s harvested.”
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The Predator’s batch drying system ensures quick and efficient drying, allowing continuous harvesting without bottlenecks.
“Unlike silo-based drying, our system provides fast results, so farmers can keep moving through their harvest efficiently,” Joshua said. “It’s also easy to operate, designed for single-user functionality, making it practical for farmers managing multiple machines.”
Additionally, the Predator is versatile across various crops, including wheat, barley, corn, canola, and pulses.
“This makes it a multi-season investment, providing value beyond a single harvest,” Joshua said. “It’s also a cost-effective alternative for farmers who don’t want to invest in permanent drying infrastructure.”
Innovating with renewable energy
Agridry is actively collaborating with research institutions such as CSIRO and universities to develop grain drying technology.
“We’re exploring renewable energy solutions, including hydrogen-powered drying systems, to reduce reliance on traditional fuels,” Steven said. “While hydrogen technology is still emerging, we are investing in research to ensure our dryers are more energy efficient.”
The company is also implementing AI-driven moisture sensing and smart drying automation.
“By integrating advanced sensors and remote monitoring, we optimise the drying process to maintain grain quality with minimal manual input,” Joshua said. “These innovations are based on real-world testing with farmers, ensuring they meet practical on-farm needs.”
Shifting perceptions
Agridry is working to reposition grain dryers from being seen as a reactive solution to a proactive tool in harvest management.
“Grain dryers aren’t just for rescuing wet grain,” Steven said. “They’re a strategic investment that allows farmers to harvest earlier, secure better pricing, and maintain grain quality.”
Education is a key focus for Agridry. “We’re encouraging farmers to integrate drying into their harvest planning,” Joshua said.
“By planning ahead, they can optimise their yields, reduce losses, and improve storage outcomes.”
Return on investment is another crucial aspect.
“We work with customers to demonstrate how grain drying can increase profitability,” Steven said. “By reducing spoilage, improving grain quality, and enabling more efficient storage, farmers see tangible financial benefits.”
Additionally, Agridry is developing user-friendly, automated drying solutions.
“Through sensor-driven technology, remote monitoring, and AI-powered controls, we’re making grain drying easier and more accessible,” Joshua said.
Agridry is committed to supporting Australian manufacturing.
“It’s all about promoting Australian industry,” Steven said.
“There aren’t many manufacturers left, and we believe in producing high-quality, locally made products that support Australian farmers and businesses.”