Contaminated corn is an issue across the grain belt, including southeastern Iowa.

High levels of vomitoxin, which is a toxin produced by fungus, are being found in grain, according to ISU mycotoxin sampling and analysis specialist Erin Bowers. Contaminated corn is found in dried distillers grains and solubles which is used in animal feed.This is a problem for the swine industry, as swine are very sensitive to vomitoxin.

These contaminations can occur when moist grain is contained in the spring and summer. Agronomist Rebecca Vittetoe explains how this problem can occur, “People put it in maybe a little bit wetter [corn] thinking that maybe they were going to move it in the winter months. If they haven’t moved it yet and now it’s going into the spring and summer time, ideally the corn would be at 13 to 14% moisture.” Vittetoe says when corn is above 14% is when problems arise.

Beef cattle are more tolerant to vomitoxin, and can be fed higher levels of contamination without seeing negative health or productivity effects. Vittetoe warns grain producers, “Any grain that they are storing from over springtime and throughout the summertime, it’s a good idea to check that about weekly to monitor any changes, and if they notice something like ‘Hey, this looks like it could be spoiling.’ The good idea would be to get it moved.” ISU Extension and Outreach provides online learning modules to help producers learn about mycotoxin sampling and handling.