Chillcuring

– Process
– Chillcuring is an electrical ventilating process for after-ripening bulk stored seeds.
– Ventilation is controlled by monitoring wet-bulb temperature to reach equilibrium moisture.
– Seed dormancy is maintained better at cooler temperatures.
– Grain weight and seed vigor are preserved in the process.
– After-ripening is a biochemical process of carbohydrate/protein stabilization.

– History
– Steffen Patents were involved in federal lawsuits in Minnesota, Indiana, and Iowa.
– The validity of Steffen Process Patents was upheld.
– Chillcuring was marketed from the 1960s to the late 1990s by Harvestall Industries, Inc.
– Harvestall Industries was owned by Vincent B. Steffen, former Speaker of the Iowa House of Representatives.

– Notes
– Patents related to chillcuring include US 4800653, US 4247989, US 4175418, US 4148147, US 4077134.
– Additional patents are US 4053991, US 4045878, US 3408747, WO 1090562, and WO 1086052.

– References
– Natural-air drying of shelled corn gained popularity despite mixed reviews.
– An article in Lancaster Farming from Penn State University discussed chillcuring.
– The Wikipedia page for Chillcuring is categorized under agriculture stubs.
– The article can be expanded to provide more information.
– The page was last retrieved from Wikipedia on a specific date.

– Citation Needed
– The content mentions a need for citation regarding specific information.
– The process involves the use of grainlamps producing infrared light.
– Water and carbon dioxide are good absorbers of infrared light.
– The process aids in the release of water from seeds during after-ripening.
– Seed dormancy is linked to atmospheric temperature and moisture equilibrium.