November 12, 2009

Specialist: Grain quality a concern this year

"This year is going to be a challenge for farmers," the specialist, Linda Mason said. "The moisture content in corn is between 18 and 22 percent. Ideally, we would like to see it at 12-14 percent."

Farmers who are not able to dry their corn in a timely manner might notice mold and insect infestation in their grain bins.

Mason suggests drying corn at a lower temperature for a longer period of time.

"The problem with drying the corn fast and at a high heat is kernel breakage," Mason said.  "The kernel heats up too fast and cools quickly. As it drops into the bin, hairline fractures can occur, which enables the kernel to break. This allows insects to feed on the broken pieces."

Farmers, she said, should sample their corn more often this year than they have in the past, especially if there are warm spots in the bins.

"Producers should sample at least once a month throughout the winter season," Mason said.

The hairy fungus beetle and foreign grain beetle will be threats to farmers this year, she said. They feed on mold, not the corn itself.

"If farmers see these insects, there is a good indication that the bin has mold growth in it, even if not visible," Mason said.

Bins that have mold also are a breeding spot for insects. Those bins that are above 55 degrees Fahrenheit will allow the insects to mobilize and breed.

"If producers keep the moisture content low, the temperature below 55 degrees and run cool air through the bins on dry nights, they will not have to worry until spring," Mason said.

If farmers are still having insect issues when spring approaches, they can top-dress the corn in the bins with insecticide to kill incoming insects or fumigate the bins.

"Farmers should fumigate their bins if there are already insects present," Mason said.

Mason will speak more about grain quality at the Purdue Crop Production Clinic, which will be held Dec. 2 from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Madison County 4-H Fairgrounds in Alexandria. There is no cost to attend the clinic, but preregistration is required.

Preregistration is due Nov. 30 and can be done by contacting the Purdue Extension Office in Madison County at 765-641-9514. A downloadable brochure is available at https://www.ces.purdue.edu/anr/documents/2009/cropclinicflyer.pdf

A free lunch will be offered, along with private applicator credits for $10, commercial credit hours and continuing education units.

Other Purdue speakers of the clinic include: Bill Field, professor of agricultural and biological engineering; Roman Keeney, assistant professor of agricultural economics; Bill Johnson, Extension weed scientist; Shaun Casteel, Extension soybean specialist; and Chris Hurt, professor of agricultural and economics.

Writer: Sayde Rayburn, 765-494-8402, srayburn@purdue.edu

Source: Linda Mason, 765-494-4586, lmason@purdue.edu  

Ag Communications: (765) 494-8415;
Steve Leer, sleer@purdue.edu
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