Damaged feedstuffs are readily available food sources for mold growth. Anytime the grain kernel is cracked and the endosperm is exposed, the probability of mold growth increases. During harvest, adjust equipment to lessen kernel damage and remove foreign matter. The time between harvest and drying is critical because temperature and moisture conditions are often ideal for mold growth and toxin production. Thus you should not delay grain drying more than six hours after harvest.
Storage conditions are also important.
The critical point for controlling fungal growth in storage is grain moisture levels. Keep grain storage bins clean and in good repair. After drying the grain, cool it to air temperature before loading the storage bin, since hot grain can cause condensation, which sets the stage for mold growth and toxin production. Clean feed and grain storage bins frequently to prevent bridging feedstuffs and forming hot spots. Consider treating the grain after drying but before storing with an insecticide to reduce insect damage.