Corn Quality Issues in 2008 – Field Molds

Fall weather has allowed late planted corn to mature, increasing grain yields expectations - the USDA October yield estimate is 172 bushels per acre in Iowa. Although high grain yields are expected, reports of quality issues are surfacing. The cool wet fall conditions also favor the development of fusarium fungi; the white or pink ear rots that are often found in ear corn stored too wet. Field moistures in the low 20s over a long period are favorable for these fungi, which in turn can produce several toxins harmful to people and livestock – vomitoxin, zearalenone, and fumonisin. Grain with field mold should be tested for mycotoxins before feeding