Growers Should Take Action To Maintain Quality Of Feed Grain
Growers must ensure good storage conditions for feed grain, or risk downgrading its value, says Grains Council Chairman
Neil Barton.
"This season, many growers will have put grain in silos at a relatively high moisture content, risking the growth of
moulds which form mycotoxins.
Mycotoxins, compounds formed by the growth of common fungi such as fusarium, can cause a number of adverse effects in
stock such as weight loss, vomiting, abortion and in rare cases can cause death.
"Buyers are aware of the potential effects of mycotoxins and will be cautious this year. If growers take good care of
stored grain, they can use this develop a reputation for supplying high quality products."
While some moulds are generally present on grain in the field, it is not until grain is put into storage that moulds can
multiply rapidly and produce dangerous levels of mycotoxins.
"As most people will be aware, the growth of moulds is influenced by temperature and moisture. Grain of relatively high
moisture content has a tendency to heat, creating warm, humid conditions in the silo. These are ideal conditions for
mould growth.
"Farmers will need to monitor their silos closely to prevent grain from heating. High moisture content grains should be
dried as quickly as possible, and that which cannot be dried quickly should be treated with a mould inhibitor.
"It is in growers best interest to take precautions. After going great lengths to get a crop off the paddock, it would
be devastating to have it lose its value in the silo."
ENDS