MITCHELL, S.D. - Recent dry weather has things looking better for producers concerned about mold growth in their harvested crops, but one crop specialist says the "race" isn't over yet.
"Warm weather isn't necessarily favorable because it does encourage the fungus to grow," said Larry Osborne, extension plant pathologist for the South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service. "On the other hand, the dry weather and warm temperatures keep the grain drying rapidly."
Grain and cattle producers are starting to breathe a little easier thanks to recent days of warm and dry weather. Still, concerns remain about wet crops resulting in mold that can lead to the production of mycotoxin, a toxic result of a fungal infection of crops that can poison cattle.
Osborne has seen some fields with mycotoxin, but the levels have been low enough that they shouldn't cause much trouble. Still, moisture contents are running at averages of 20 to 24 percent, which is above the safe level of 17 to 18 percent when mold growth slows and corn can be stored.
"They still do seem to feel a little bit of anxiety," Osborne said.
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This week's crop report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service shows that only 18 percent of the state's corn has been harvested. The number is well behind the 50 percent that was harvested one year ago.
The problem of wet grain is especially concerning for cattle producers, Osborne said, since moldy feed could take a destructive toll on their livestock.
"It's one thing to lose a little bit of the crop or quality of the grain, but it's probably a far worse thing to lose the quality or lives of their livestock," Osborne said. "They're very nervous about what it can potentially do to their operation, (but) I think they're the ones that are really starting to breathe a little bit easier."
Going from expecting a record harvest to worrying about moist crops and delayed harvests can bring additional stress to a time associated with extra work. Donna Bittiker, Extension educator in Moody County, said it's important for producers to get rest and eat nutritionally to combat the stress that often comes with harvest season.
"This year, it's going to be heightened because of the shortened time frame to get the crops out," Bittiker said.
Whenever possible, producers should get at least seven hours of sleep a night and eat regular meals or snacks, Bittiker said.
"I think harvest is such a great time of the year," Bittiker said. "You need to recognize the positive in it as well as some of the stresses."
