Ag Tech Talk: Using Connected Technology to Protect Grain Quality
12 February 2026 In this episode of Ag Tech Talk, we sit down with Alan Lockwood, Senior Product Manager for Grain Conditioning at GSI, to explore how connected technologies are transforming grain storage and drying. From real-time monitoring and early spoilage detection to remote dryer management during labor-tight harvest seasons, Lockwood breaks down how tools like GrainView and GSI Connect are helping farmers, retailers, and co-ops protect grain quality, reduce losses, and make smarter operational decisions long after harvest ends.
Podcast Transcript:
*This is an edited and partial transcript.
AgriBusiness Global: When it comes to adopting connected grain technologies, where do you see the biggest hesitation — cost, learning new technology, or changing long-standing routines?
Alan Lockwood: A lot of it comes down to habit. Grain management has traditionally meant climbing a bin and relying on experience — even something as basic as smelling what’s coming out of the manhole. Those are long-standing norms, and they can be challenging to change.
That said, as generational shifts continue across farms and ag retail, we’re seeing a growing desire for better data, deeper insight, and a clearer understanding of what’s happening inside the bin. Over time, those norms are evolving, and the use of monitoring technology, data collection, and actionable insights will only continue to grow.
ABG: What are the biggest hurdles retailers and co-ops face when adopting automated monitoring and dryer systems, and what helps make that transition smoother?
AL: One of the primary challenges we see — from farms to ag retailers — is the upfront cost. For operations that haven’t experienced a major spoilage event, investing in monitoring systems can feel like buying an insurance policy you’ve never had to use. It’s important, but sometimes difficult to justify when nothing has gone wrong.
What helps is putting today’s scale into perspective. Storage bins are significantly larger than they used to be — what was once a large 250,000-bushel bin is now often 1.5 to 2 million bushels. As storage capacity increases, so does the potential for loss. In that context, monitoring systems are a relatively modest investment to help protect what’s already been stored.
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