Mycotoxins are a growing concern among farmers, seed companies, grain buyers and animal health organizations. Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by fungi growing in grain, feed, or food in the field or in storage and can be detrimental to the health of animals. Indiana Corn Growers Association (ICGA) organized a meeting among industry professionals, scientists and an ICGA farmer leader to discuss the issue, as well as work being done to provide solutions, with Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) on Thursday, April 4 in Lebanon, Indiana.
Mycotoxins of concern in Indiana are associated with ear rot diseases. United Animal Health representatives noted that they were testing 2,000 samples for mycotoxins 10 years ago. Now they are testing 7,000 samples a year. Using the swine industry as an example, the presence of mycotoxins means that swine must remain on the market 2-3 more days, causing an increase in pounds of feed needed and results in fewer pounds of pork.
Gene editing offers a solution by speeding up the breeding needed to potentially add mycotoxin resistance to seeds. Interagency work and support by our federal legislators are needed to deregulate the process. Canada is currently outpacing the United States in gene editing efforts as seed companies work through the current process.
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Categories: Indiana, Crops, Corn