By Gretchen A Mosher
Iowa rainfall in 2026 has arrived in “big buckets”, with above average temperatures and rainfall raising concerns about crop quality and post-harvest storage. Nearly three-quarters of Iowa’s weather stations reported at least 4 inches of rainfall or greater in September, according to ISU’s Mesonet data. As fields begin to dry out, several concerns have emerged about grain quality, both in-field and post-harvest.
Corn
A key concern for corn is the growth of fungus and field mold, especially ear rot. Ear rot decreases yield and reduces the food, feed, and grain quality of harvested grain. Some fungi that produce ear rot may also produce mycotoxins, which are hazardous to animals and humans. Mycotoxin-contaminated grain must be segregated from non-contaminated grain – it should not be blended with “clean grain”.
Much of the harvested corn will have higher than normal moisture content. Higher temperatures would increase crop quality pressure, but even at lower temperatures, corn will retain its high moisture levels. Where in-field mold is present, some yield loss should be expected, along with decreased storage life. Read more on ear rots on the Crop Protection Network.
Source : iastate.edu