Corn infected with deoxynivalenol (DON) was more widespread than usual this year in Ontario’s crop.

Corn hybrid testing for DON needs industry support

There is currently no screening program for susceptibility to DON for corn in Ontario

Farmers continue to search for better ways to manage risk of an outbreak of deoxynivalenol (DON) in future corn crops. One of the areas of most interest is figuring out which corn hybrids are most susceptible to infection. There is currently no screening program for vomitoxin in corn hybrids in Ontario. Why it matters: Finding […] Read more

Corn has been discounted across much of Ontario because of high levels of DON. There are challenges in marketing especially high infection level corn.

How the new DON testing cost-share program works

Funds will share half of the cost of DON testing or equipment purchase so farmers can know what they have in their bins

With vomitoxin (DON) levels prevalent in this year’s corn crop, the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) says a new DON testing cost-sharing initiative will help producers strategically market their grain. Why it matters: OSCIA says the cost-sharing program will help farmers know how severe their deoxynivalenol (DON) issues are, and how to market […] Read more

Closeup of fully ripe corn cobs ready to be harvested. Leaves are dry and bent outwards. There are many corn plants in background, blurry.

Deep discount questions

Ontario farmers took deeper discounts on moldy corn than farmers elsewhere in 2018. The question is, why?

Ontario corn farmers faced deep discounts on corn infected by deoxynivalenol (DON) in 2018, exposing their vulnerability in a market dominated by domestic users. While farmers in this province usually see attractive basis levels due to strong domestic demand for corn from the ethanol processors and livestock sector, neither market is keen on taking diseased […] Read more

Corn has been discounted across much of Ontario because of high levels of DON. There are challenges in marketing especially high infection level corn. (John Greig photo)

How Ontario’s new DON testing cost-share program works

With vomitoxin (DON) levels so prevalent in this year’s corn crop, the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) says a new DON testing cost-sharing initiative will help producers strategically market their grain. Why it matters: OSCIA says cost-sharing will help farmers know how severe their deoxynivalenol (DON) issues are, and how to market their […] Read more

Editorial: Corn mould levels unearth knowledge and testing gaps

Editorial: Corn mould levels unearth knowledge and testing gaps

Just when you have a system that flows effectively across large volumes of a commodity, nature throws you a serious knuckleball. That’s the case this harvest season with corn, a normally easy-to-manage, reliable crop. This year, it has turned into a nightmare when it comes to logistics, marketing and operator safety. A good portion of […] Read more



This year’s Ontario corn crop is showing higher levels of mycotoxins compared to previous years, and caution is advised.

Corn mycotoxin levels high this harvest season

The provincial agriculture department advises special care to limit the effects of various toxins and moulds in feed

It’s a corn crop mycotoxin year. The annual survey conducted by OMAFRA field crop staff in collaboration with the Grain Farmers of Ontario and the Ontario Agri-Business Association has found that 60 per cent of samples tested low (less than two parts per million) for vomitoxin. The mycotoxins that are of concern are produced primarily […] Read more

Figure 1: Gibberella ear rot – Red/pink mould which often begins on ear tip.

Plan to assess corn fields for ear rot and mycotoxin risk

Moulds can be disruptive when fed to livestock, especially hogs

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has begun sampling grower corn fields to determine ear mould incidence and occurrence of mycotoxins in the grain. The mycotoxins, particularly vomitoxin (DON) produced primarily by Gibberella ear moulds, can be disruptive when fed to livestock, especially hogs. Why it matters: The annual survey is designed […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed barley marches ‘lockstep’ with U.S. corn

CNS Canada — Western Canada’s feed barley market continues to trade above the key $200 per tonne mark, taking strength from consistent demand and a lower-sized crop in 2017. “The market has changed (gotten stronger) from last year when high-vomitoxin wheat was trading at a discount,” said Jim Beusekom of Market Place Commodities in Lethbridge. […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Prairie feed wheat, barley at seasonal highs

CNS Canada –– Feed barley and feed wheat appear to be settling into some seasonal highs, according to a market-watcher in Alberta. “Whether it goes up much more remains to be seen,” said Jim Beusekom of Market Place Commodities in Lethbridge. “Between Easter and May long weekend, we’re probably at a high.” High vomitoxin (10 […] Read more