Wisconsin’s Mid-October Corn Harvest Update: A Closer Look

While the USDA Crop Progress report remains on pause, we take a closer look at the status of Wisconsin’s corn harvest in mid-October through insights from agronomist Nick Groth of Syngenta Crop Protection.

Corn Harvest Progress in Wisconsin

According to Groth, the corn harvest is actively proceeding in southern Wisconsin, while northern regions are just beginning their activities.

“I would estimate that around 15% of corn fields have been harvested across Wisconsin,” noted Groth.

This time last year, USDA reported that 26% of Wisconsin’s corn had been harvested, indicating a slower start this season.

Wisconsin Corn Quality Assessment

Groth observed that nearly all corn fields in the state have reached the black layer stage, leading to a decline in moisture levels. “In southern Wisconsin, some growers have reported moisture levels even lower than desired, while northern Wisconsin is just beginning to see harvestable moisture,” he explained.

Despite some regional challenges, Groth expressed satisfaction with the overall yield, which aligns with early harvest reports. The last published Crop Progress report from September 29 showed that 81% of Wisconsin’s corn was rated as good or excellent, with 24% rated excellent, 57% good, 14% fair, 4% poor, and only 1% very poor.

“In southern Wisconsin, many yields are falling within the 225-250 bushel per acre range,” added Groth. However, he also mentioned reports of quality issues due to high mycotoxin levels in some fields.

Understanding Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins, produced by molds, pose risks to both animals and humans. Environmental stresses like drought and hail can exacerbate conditions for mold and mycotoxin development, as noted by experts from South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension.

“While molds themselves do not harm animals, they can create issues during grain storage by reproducing and producing more mycotoxins,” the SDSU team warned. “These mycotoxins can lead to serious problems for livestock and significant financial losses at grain elevators.”

The fungal pathogens responsible for mycotoxins in corn include Fusarium graminearum (also known as Gibberella zeae), which causes stalk and ear rots, and various species of Aspergillus, which lead to ear rots.

Strategies for Mitigating Mycotoxin Risks

To minimize mycotoxin levels, it’s crucial to ensure that grains remain dry (15% moisture or less) and stored under cool conditions (around 55°F). SDSU experts suggest that capturing dust from grains and heating them to about 150°F can effectively reduce mycotoxin levels. Additionally, mixing mycotoxin-free grain into livestock feed can lower overall contamination levels.

“This is definitely an issue to monitor as more grain is harvested across the state,” Groth cautioned.

As the corn harvest progresses, growers will need to remain vigilant regarding both yields and crop quality, balancing productivity with safety and marketability.

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