Tips offered on how to deal with flood-damaged grain

DES MOINES – As flood waters gradually recede along the Missouri River, farmers and grain-handling companies may need to dispose of flood-damaged grain.

“Fortunately, the waters came up slowly enough that most farmers and businesses had time to get the grain out,” said Kevin Klommhaus, chief of the Feed and Fertilizer Bureau, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS). “Unfortunately grain left behind and soaked by flood waters is likely not usable for feed or food.”

Wet grain can mold rapidly, and contain toxins or contaminants from floodwater. It is unsafe for livestock and wildlife to eat.

To salvage wet grains, the owner must test the grain and submit a plan to IDALS. Find out more by calling Kevin Klommhaus, chief of the IDALS Feed and Fertilizer Bureau, at 515-242-6338.

“Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of good options for disposal,” said Dale Garner, chief of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wildlife bureau. “The same moldy or contaminated grain that causes death in livestock will also cause death in migrating geese and other wildlife.”

Garner added that birds are especially sensitive to toxins in spoiled grain because they have no sense of smell and, unlike mammals, don’t realize the grain is dangerous.

Options for disposal include land applying the grain at specific rates and incorporating the grain on the same day to avoid killing wildlife. Landfilling is another possibility. There may be other options for large quantities of grain. Producers can call Matt McDonald at the DNR at 515-281-8150 for more information.

For land application guidelines and more information, see Proper Management of Flooded Grain and Hay,” a fact sheet created by IDALS and the DNR at www.iowaagriculture.gov or www.iowadnr.gov/InsideDNR/SocialMediaPressRoom/DisasterAssistance.aspx.