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Toxic mold hits corn in northwest IowaLE MARS, Iowa (AP)--A toxic mold in corn could cut harvest yields for some northwest Iowa farmers. Heavy rain that followed hot, dry weather this year made a fertile breeding ground for aflatoxins--poisonous, carcinogenic byproducts made during the growth of several species of the mold fungus Aspergillus. Tom Dahl, general manager of Sioux City Inspection, said it's been several years since he's seen the mold in corn, but this year northwest Iowa seems to have been hit badly. "Plymouth County seems to be leading the surge," he said. "It's a mess." The toxins can cause severe liver damage to livestock, poultry and people. It can also spread once tainted corn is in bins, if conditions are conducive. That's why some grain elevators are refusing to accept corn from producers. "This is a lot bigger deal than some people want to believe," said Roger Price, general manager of Farmers Cooperative Co., in Hinton. Price said the co-op's elevators in Hinton, Oyens and Akron have rejected corn that has more than 20 parts per billion of aflatoxin. Experts recommend farmers inspect their fields for the gray-green mold, especially in areas that are mores stressed from drought conditions. The mold may be present in only part of a field. If they check before harvesting, producers could collect crop insurance. "If they discover this when they're hauling it to the grain elevator, it's too late," said Joel DeJong, an Iowa State University Extension crop specialist. "They're not going to cover you." DeJong also said anyone combining tainted fields should wear a mask to prevent inhalation of aflatoxin, which is a carcinogen.
Date: 10/24/07
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