C.O.R.N. Newsletter

More and more reports are coming in of corn testing positive for vomitoxin, with levels as high as 6-10 ppm in some cases. Some of these numbers are taking producers by surprise. Although the weather has been favorable for ear rot development, and consequently, grain contamination with vomitoxin, test results could be misleading in some cases, and may even be incorrect. Since there is not a lot you can do about grain contaminated with mycotoxins, you should at least check to make sure that you got a fair test.

This harvest season, safety should be a priority within the farm operation. Consider that it is a time that involves long hours and the need for multiple pieces of farm equipment working simultaneously to complete a crop harvest. The continuous activity, diminished daylight and stresses that can be associated with harvest can often lead to agricultural related injuries. Common injuries during fall harvest include slips, trips and falls; blunt trauma incidents; sprains / strains; and injuries due to fatigue.  Some simple ways to reduce the risk of an injury during harvest include:

Ohio's corn and soybean crops experienced exceptional growing conditions in 2015, including record rainfall in June and July followed by a drier than normal August conditions in many areas. The persistent rains saturated soils and caused localized ponding and flooding. These conditions resulted in root damage and N loss that led to uneven crop growth and development between and within fields. Agronomists often question the value of test plot data when adverse growing conditions severely limit yield potential.

Protecting grain quality and ultimately the economic value of the grain begins long before the first acre is ever harvested.  This pre-harvest activity is to prepare grain harvesting, handling and storage equipment and structures for the soon to be harvested corn and soybeans.