Managing Moldy Grain

Joanna visits with Kiersten Wise, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Plant Pathologist to talk about managing moldy grain. Drying corn (and other grains) helps prevent fungi from infecting or further degrading previously infected grain. Wet grain degrades quickly in a harvest truck or grain bin and mycotoxin levels can increase. This is especially true when temperatures are warm after harvest. However, if grain is stored at appropriately low moisture, evidence shows that mycotoxin levels will not increase. Be sure to dry grain before storing or moving. When grain is wet, mycotoxins can continue to accumulate. High-temperature drying stops mold growth and mycotoxin production. However, it will not reduce mycotoxins already present in the grain. Using high temperatures to quickly dry grain is preferable to using low heat to slowly dry grain. Be wary of using low-temperature, in-bin dryers for moldy corn, and be sure to meet proper ventilation requirements for storing dry corn. A good post-harvest drying target for storing grain is 15 to 15.5 percent moisture. This moisture level is sufficient for short-term storage over the winter. Additionally, cooling the grain to below 55°F (13°C) will slow the growth of fungi and inhibit insect activity. If you plan to store corn into the hottest months of summer, dry grain to less than 13 percent moisture. At this moisture level, mycotoxin-producing fungi are typically unable to grow. For more information contact and follow us on social media. Warren County Cooperative Extension Service https://www.warrencountyextension.com   / warrencountyag   https://warrencountyagriculture.com   / warrencoag