Corn Molds/Feed Testing

Many producers have noted ear mold during corn harvest. The problem is, we had a wet, cool summer that delayed maturation. We had severe hail in the area that stopped or at least slowed down corn development. We have also had above average moisture this fall and as a result some of the corn moisture has been over 20% and has been showing signs of superficial mold.

There are many different fungi that can develop mold on corn, some ears can show a variety of fungi on them. Some of these fungi such as Fusarium, can produce mycotoxins. The current recommendation from UNL is the dry the corn to less than 15%moisture quickly prior to storage. There is potential for the mold to cause significant damage to stored corn if it is not dried down significantly. Mycotoxins can develop in stored corn if it is not dried down as well.

If you are noticing significant amounts of corn mold it may be advisable to have the corn tested for mycotoxins prior to feeding it. It may also be advisable to have corn tested from cornstalk fields prior to grazing if there was a lot of ear droppage this year.

There are several resources on the internet that can provide answers to your questions about corn mold....
http://cropwatch.unl.edu/web/cropwatch/archive?articleID=1904835

http://csuplantdiagnosticclinic.blogspot.com

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2009/1030robertsonmunkvold.htm

We would also recommend that you test cornstalks for nitrate if the corn was stressed for moisture or recieved hail damage.


If you have any questions, or would like us to assist you with collecting and sending samples, feel free to stop in or give us a call!!