A cool, damp fall is causing a growing problem.

Ag Reporter Sarah Gustin takes you to the field and shows you what could be taking color under your Corn husks.

In some fields there's more than just corn growing

It's a problem

The worst part...you can't do anything about it

(Jackie Buckley / Morton Co. Ext. Agent) "It won't be hurt the yield at all. In the corn growing belt they see this all the time. So it is usually not a problem in yield reduction." When field moistures are above 18 to 20 percent for an extended period of time...ear mold grows

(Jackie Buckley / Morton Co. Extension Agent) "It hasn't been in the field any longer. It's just that it's been cooler and damper and the conditions were right and it didn't get a chance to dry down quick enough, before we got all this cool damp weather." Buckley says the mold on this cob is a grey mold...but ear mold can come in green, pink, white, red, even black

(Sarah Gustin / KX News STAND-UP) "Buckley says the mold typically starts at the bottom where the cob is typically the most moist. Then it works it's way up from there

Buckley says if it stays warm and dry the mold should stop growing, but if the right weather conditions come along it could affect even more cobs

(Jackie Buckley / Morton Co. Extension Agent) "Depends on how warm it gets. It will probably continue to grow if the conditions are right. Cause mold needs damp weather." Buckley says if you plan to feed your corn, you probably won't run into any problems

(Jackie Buckley / Morton Co. Extension Agent) "Cows eat mold all the time. there is mold on grasses, there is mold on hay. as long as they are in good nutritional shape and are on a balanced ration and don't get alot of it at a certain time, it should be fine." Buckley says you do need to be careful with how much moldy corn you feed prior to calving

She can't say for sure if you will or won't be discounted at the elevator

In Mandan for KX News, I am Sarah Gustin."


Buckley says getting the corn dry is the main thing.

If you are worried about feeding the corn the NDSU Veterinary Toxicology Lab can perform a full mycotoxin screening to make sure it is safe to feed.

You can reach the lab at 231-8307 watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list