Farm-Stored Corn Condition: No Crisis, But Worth a Little Caution
February 04, 2010
Dr. Bob Thaler, professor of swine extension and nutrition at SDSU, says, “While some areas have high mold levels, Western Corn Belt producers can be cautiously optimistic about their stored grain.”
Yes, hail damage in some Upper Midwest fields degraded the crop and allowed pathogens to grab a foothold. For the most part though, producers can protect livestock with a good application of caution. Do the usual smart thing—check your bins from time to time, especially if corn went in wetter than usual.
If your grain does test poorly, Dr. Thaler suggests that some products will help while others will not. “To some extent where (moldy) corn is not intended for livestock, clay binders will be effective against aflotoxin,” he explains. “Just don’t add clay binders for mycotoxin. Clay binders are worthless against it.”
Dr. Thaler says, “There are some products that help with damaged grain. Producers sure can try those so long as they don’t expect to be 100% successful. Before including any additive, be sure to talk with your with feed consultants or veterinarian,” he cautions.
Strategic feeding is more effective
Look at strategic feeding, Thaler recommends. “If you still have some of last year’s crop, feed it to your breeding herd and in the nursery. If you have corn you’re a little concerned about, feed that to grow/finish hogs.”
Or, you might want to consider an alternative feedstuff this year. “Some of your readers will have access to barley—an excellent alternative. There will be no problem with mycotoxins in small grains, and you can put barley in swine diets to get the total level of mycotoxins below problem level.”
Dr. Thaler hasn’t heard of any actual moldy corn problems in the area he travels. “But in Missouri and Ohio the levels can be ugly—as much as 2/20 parts per million. In some states it’s hard to find clean grain!”
If your corn was thoroughly dried going into the bin, you’re not likely to have big quality challenges, according to Bob Thaler. Test the grain as you use it, though, to ensure you didn’t overlook a mold flare-up. “Harvest season sampling is valuable,” he concludes. “But you can easily miss the one hot spot in a field.”
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