Grain storage is more than just stacking crops under cover — it’s a strategic, high-stakes part of the farming year where preparation, hygiene, and pest control come together to safeguard quality and profits.
P.X. Farms Ltd, based in Cambridgeshire manages over 12,500 acres of arable crops in Southeast England, a shining example of how meticulous grain store management can pay dividends. Founded in 2003 by James Peck when he took on his family farm, P.X. Farms Ltd is now a large team employing 32 full-time staff and farming multiple units across Cambridge, Lincolnshire and Hertfordshire.
“We’re an agri-business managing arable land and grain storage for other landowners, but we also specialise in haulage and lettings too,” says Mr Peck who has grown his family farm into an extensive arable business enterprise over the last two decades, while keeping the family agribusiness feeling at its heart.
“When I took on the family farm, there were approximately 750 acres of owned land and 150 acres of contracted land. We’ve increased the amount of land we own considerably in the last 20 plus years and diversified the business in multiple ways.”
With almost 100,000 tonnes of storage capacity across their sites, this progressive arable business knows that one weak link in the chain — particularly in pest control — can have disastrous consequences.
Clean Stores, Clean Grain
With the capacity to store large amounts of grain, P.X. Farms Ltd works closely with both individuals and merchants to commercially grow, store and clean grain. In the early days, the business focused solely on storing its own crops, but even then, challenges quickly became apparent.
“Back when I first started out, we had some issues with insects in older buildings, so we soon learned how much hardship grain pests can cause. That experience made us very aware of the importance of thorough shed preparation ahead of harvest.”
It’s why today, P.X. Farms has a robust and proactive cleaning regime. Every shed is emptied, power washed, and assessed for risk. And crucially, every surface — including cracks and crevices — is treated with K-Obiol EC25, a trusted grain store protectant the team has used since the early 2000s.
“It’s no different to taking out insurance on your buildings. K-Obiol EC25 is now a non-negotiable part of our pre-harvest protocol. It gives us the peace of mind that we’ve done all we can to prevent issues before they begin.”
Protection That Starts Before the Grain Even Arrives
Preparation doesn’t stop with empty sheds. Once grain enters storage, there’s still work to be done to keep insects at bay. As part of its belt-and-braces approach, P.X. Farms also treats incoming crops with K-Obiol ULV, a liquid formulation designed to be applied directly to stored grain.
“This is applied as a precaution — to stop a problem before it starts,” Mr. Peck says. “We’ve invested in this process because we’ve seen the results. It’s a small step that has a big impact.”
And he’s right. While once the business only stored its own grain, P.X. Farms now works commercially with landowners and merchants. The company’s reputation for grain quality is hard-won, and insect control is a central part of upholding it.
Why K-Obiol?
As many pest controllers and farmers know, older buildings and mild winters create ideal breeding grounds for grain pests like the saw-toothed grain beetle or grain weevil. Once established, infestations are tough — and expensive — to eliminate.
That’s where K-Obiol EC25 and ULV come into play. Together, these formulations form a complete protection strategy:
- K-Obiol EC25: Designed for application to the internal fabric of grain stores (walls, floors, beams), creating a long-lasting residual barrier.
K-Obiol® EC 25 is an emulsifiable concentrate based on the Pyrethroid, Deltamethrin. The formulation contains 25g/L of Deltamethrin synergised with 225g/L of Piperonyl Butoxide for the control of all stored product insects known to infest grain and pulses.
- K-Obiol ULV: A highly effective grain protectant applied to the crop itself as it enters storage.
K-Obiol® ULV6 is a modern pyrethroid formulation containing Deltamethrin, synergised with piperonyl butoxide for the control of all stored product insects known to infest grain and pulses. This Pyrethroid formulation is an ideal alternative to organo-phosphorus formulations.
Timing Is Everything
As harvest 2025 approaches, now is the time to act. Envu account manager Ken Black advises store cleaning six to eight weeks ahead of harvest, with careful attention to hidden areas and structural details. Following this, stores should be monitored for insect activity using traps — and treated where necessary with products like K-Obiol EC25.
Even with excellent crop yields, poor storage can undo a season’s worth of effort. As Ken puts it: “Poor storage preparation can lead to losses comparable to pests and diseases in the field.”
For operations like P.X. Farms, whose grain quality standards are second to none, skipping or delaying these steps simply isn’t an option.
Invest in Protection, Reap the Rewards
Whether you’re managing 1,000 tonnes or 100,000, your grain store preparation will make or break the season. And with modern alternatives like K-Obiol offering proven, effective insect control, there’s no excuse for letting pests take their share.
Adequate grain shed protection is crucial to maintaining the highest standards of grain quality. Take it from those who know: thorough, consistent preparation — combined with the right protectant products — makes all the difference. For P.X. Farms, it’s not just a process, it’s a priority.
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