how long does unmilled grain stay good for?

[CorneliusAlphonse]

I just found a bucket of MO from a group buy a year ago, unmilled. will it still convert properly? it hasn't been stored great (plastic bag inside a non-airtight plastic bucket, room temp). maybe i should just take half a pound, try mashing it and do a starch test?

[LiverDance]

My philosophy towards things like this has always been; there is only 1 way to find out. Brew up a batch and see how it turns out, sounds like they were stored very well.

[akr71]

I think moisture will affect the quality more than temp will. Conversion efficiency will suffer if it has absorbed a lot of moisture from the air. I suppose it could go mildewy or worse if it was really damp, but I agree with LD - brew on!

[mr x]

I've used year old grain. I bet it's fine. If it's really from a year old buy, the date in the original bag was probably 6 months from the time we got it, so it may not be that far over the best before time.

[NASH]

I wouldn't hesitate to brew with 2 yr old malt if stored properly. It's fine.

[Tony L]

I wouldn't hesitate to brew with 2 yr old malt if stored properly. It's fine.

Me either. I haven't bought grain since some time last year. When I get my grain, I weigh it into 2 pound lots and bag it and vacuum seal it.
As long as it isn't damp or wet it should be good to go. If in doubt try tasting it and checking to see if you can notice any stale flavour from the grain.
I still have enough grain to see me through until spring, although with grain prices due to rise, I might buy a few sacks soon.