NC Farmers Need to Test Corn

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is encouraging farmers to have their corn tested for aflatoxin to prevent contamination of feeds and food.  Aflatoxin is a byproduct of the mold Aspergillus flavus, and can be harmful to both humans and livestock.  “Another hot, humid summer means there is potential for aflatoxin in corn,” Troxler said.  Some farmers may need to have corn samples tested for crop insurance or quality assurance purposes. These samples must be submitted to a grain marketing location certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The tests cost $22.20 per sample.  For insurance or quality assurance purposes, farmers must submit a 5-pound sample of shelled corn by mail, UPS or FedEx to a USDA-certified grain marketing location.  Farmers who grow or buy bulk corn to feed to their own animals can have it tested for free by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Lab in Raleigh. This lab is not an approved testing facility; therefore, results from this location will not be accepted for insurance claims.  Farmers may drop off 5-pound samples of shelled corn at the lab or at one of six agricultural research stations.  For additional information about the aflatoxin testing program, call the NCDA&CS Food and Drug Protection Division, 919-733-7366.