In areas of the corn belt that experienced extremely wet growing weather during August, September and October the conditions are favorable for Gibberella Ear Rot in the 2011 corn crop. The fungus Fusarium graminearum may produce several mycotoxins, including deoxynivalenol (DON) in infected corn. Chemicals produced by this fungus are toxic to livestock and humans. The FDA has established advisory levels for the mycotoxin, deoxynivalenol (DON) in food and animal feed. Many grain buyers are rejecting grain with high levels of these toxins resulting in a surplus of cheaper but contaminated grain. Beware of feeding any feedstuffs of unknown origin. If you are concerned about the safety of your corn or grain feedstuffs, have your feed tested for these toxins.
Check out the FDA guidelines listed below as published by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
