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NDA Encourages Livestock Producers to be Mindful of Mycotoxin Levels in Grain

Nov 20, 2018

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The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is encouraging producers and feed manufacturers to be mindful of mycotoxin levels in corn being fed to livestock this winter. Mycotoxins are naturally occurring mold fungi that affects corn.

“Summer drought coupled with wet harvest conditions creates a high risk for mycotoxins to grow,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “Fortunately, we have not seen alarming concentrations of mycotoxins in Nebraska like our neighboring states, but it is important for producers to remain vigilant to help protect the safety and well-being of their livestock herds.”

NDA Animal and Plant Health inspectors collect corn samples at grain elevators across the state each year during harvest. The NDA laboratory tests the samples for mycotoxins, including aflatoxin and fumonisin, as part of a collaborative effort between NDA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Test results showed no detectable levels of aflatoxin, but did indicate an increased presence of fumonisin in several of the samples.

Livestock fed feedstuffs with a high enough concentration of fumonisin can cause harm or even death. The most susceptible animals include horses, rabbits and swine. Cattle and poultry seem to have a higher tolerance for fumonisin. The FDA has established safe feeding recommendations for grains containing significant levels of fumonisin.

CropWatch Note: Nebraska Extension has three publications relative to this topic:

Source: unl.edu

Video: What I’m Checking Behind the Planter This Spring

This is the first episode of a new behind-the-scenes series on our farm.

Today I’m checking behind the planter looking at planting depth, seed-to-soil contact, and making sure we’re placing seed into moisture, even in a dry spring.

Everything can look good from the cab, but this is where you find out what’s really happening.

We also ran into a prescription issue that slowed us down, which is a good reminder that even when conditions are ideal, the little things still matter.

If you’re planting right now, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check behind your planter.