| Corn Quality Central MN Ethanol Co-op is testing the incoming corn for Vomitoxin because of the high level of residual toxin. Other ethanol plants are checking for toxins also with varying levels of positive results. CMEC is spot checking corn and testing lower weight corn, loads with high levels of fines and damage, and obvious mold conditions on the kernels. At this time we will be rejecting loads that test over 2 ppm but if we see a higher percentage of loads coming in at that level we may have to lower the rejection point to 1.5 ppm. Our distillers market requires a Vomitoxin level of 5.0 ppm or less because it may be fed to poultry or hogs. Cattle can handle a greater percentage of toxin but the dairy industry wants levels not over 5.0 ppm. Our marketing company tells us that if we were to market high levels of toxin our distillers would be discounted by an approximate $30.00 per ton. CMEC believes that toxin levels will continue to rise as the corn is sitting in the bin. Farmers can help reduce the levels of toxins by screening their corn before delivery. Testing has proven that the toxin levels have been reduced by up to 1/2 through screening. Keeping the air to the bins and keeping the corn cool also shows positive results. Check your bins and core them if you can deliver some corn in the near future. If you have high levels of fines they can create a real problem for you in the future. If you have any questions please feel free to call CMEC and we may be able to help or discuss the challenges that you may have. |
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Corn Quality 03/02/10 2:58:11 PM |
