Wet conditions, corn grain quality, and harvest
With this fall's difficult weather conditions, grain quality could be an issue. Please take some time to read the most recent ICM article on Crop Quality Hurt by Rains. Below are some resources for identifying corn ear rots and mycotoxin issues from the Crop Protection Network.
CPN-2001 Corn Ear Rots
CPN-2002 Corn Mycotoxin FAQs
CPN-2003 Corn Grain Sampling and Mycotoxin Testing
CPN-2004 Storing Mycotoxin-Affected Grain
The Iowa Grain Quality Initiative at Iowa State University offers many resources including videos and publications on grain storage resources as well as resources related to mycotoxins, including:
Mycotoxins 1: Mycotoxin Development Module
Mycotoxins 2: Best Practices in Handling and Testing Module
In terms of soybeans, we have downed soybeans, soybeans in standing water submerging part of or all of the plant , soybean pod shatter and even reports of soybeans germinating in the pods. To estimate losses, count beans on the ground, 4 beans per square foot equals 1 bushel/acre loss.
My colleague in NW Iowa, Paul Kassel, had some helpful comments on soybean drying, should that be a concern when we can get back in the field. Soybeans can be dried with low temperature natural air drying equipment. It will take about two weeks of 50F outside air temperature at 50% humidity to dry 16% moisture soybeans to 13%. This assumes a 1.0 cubic foot/minute (CFM) air flow per bushel. Fan air delivery can be estimated at about 1000 CFM per fan horsepower (5 HP fan produces about 5000 CFM). Fall weather conditions will vary enough that soybean drying time will be longer than what is expected. Soybean can be dried with added heat as well. It is recommended that air temperatures do not exceed 140 degrees. This website has more info.
This article from Dave Nicolai with the University of Minnesota Extension Service has tips on harvesting lodged corn and soybeans. Additionally, once we're able to get back in the field, compaction will be a serious concern. An ICM Article will be up on this website later today to discuss management options to reduce compaction in crop fields.
Flooded Crops
As river water rises we must consider crops that have been flooded by uncontrolled floodwaters (from rivers and streams, not field ponding in low spots). Grain submerged by uncontrolled floodwaters is considered adulterated and cannot be put into commercial facilities of any type. The ICM article, Management of Flood-submerged Grain, provides guidelines and additional links to the the FDA's flooded food guidance document. Grains are considered food crops.
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