The 2017 growing season was challenging across the U.S. Growers in different regions experienced varied weather conditions that could not only reduce yield, but could also increase plant stress and lead to challenges with mycotoxins.

As we approach the final stretch of winter, this past year’s harvest may seem like an eternity ago. However, as dairy producers begin to feed out the 2015 crop, they may want to consider testing for mold and mycotoxins.

A survey of 59 North American corn silage samples from across the U.S. and Canada from September to November 2014 were tested for mycotoxin contamination through Alltech’s 37+ mycotoxin analysis, finding an average 6.1 mycotoxins per sample.

As 2013 corn silage is beginning to be more widely fed, producers need to be aware of the findings from a recent U.S. harvest analysis and the impact it may have on herd health and performance. We recently conducted a harvest analysis survey for corn silage and various grains to identify which mycotoxins are present and their levels of concentration in this year’s crops. The analysis was utilized to identify which of a possible 38 mycotoxins were present in each sample.

Most of the 2013 crop has been harvested and is beginning to be fed to dairy cows across Canada; however, dairy producers need to be aware of the mycotoxins brought in with the year’s crop, and the impact they can have on herd health and performance.

More than 90 percent of corn silage samples taken during the 2013 harvest tested positive for multiple mycotoxins, according to a recent harvest analysis conducted by Alltech.