Grain corn harvest is just getting underway, especially in areas affected by drought during the summer. Yields range from township to township with timing of rainfall having the biggest influence on yield. Some corn is being harvested at 25 to 30 percent moisture, due to the presence of fusarium. Fusarium or pink mold is more prevalent again this year among some varieties, and seems to be worst in fields that were under stress. Proper drying and storage prevents further mold growth.
Local labs do have tests available for evaluating mycotoxins in feed.
Early harvest often means less no till acres the following year, and to date this year appears to be no exception, with many fields already turned over by the plow or deep tillage equipment. To maximize fuel consumption, deep tillage should be limited to areas where compaction is a problem. The depth of the compacted layer should be determined before going to the field and soil conditions should be dry. If soil can be packed into a ball, bounced from one hand to the other without breaking, the soil is more prone to smearing and compaction. Research to date does not support the need for deep tillage or intensive conventional tillage such as is occurring this fall.