A perfect start
A nice sunny day that dissipates the morning dew, followed by clear blue skies is the ideal start for any arable farmer with crops ready to harvest. However, while this weather is perfect for the growing season, it also signals the potential risks for mycotoxin contamination during storage.
MYCOTOXINS 2025: Utilising technology to detect & mitigate – read all articles
Aflatoxins and ochratoxins, in particular, often develop due to improper postharvest handling. Key postharvest factors contributing to grain mycotoxin contamination include mechanical injury, insect infestation, time of harvesting, drying method, types of storage structure and conditions, handling and processing. Temperature, moisture and humidity greatly influence the growth and development of mycotoxins. Hence, even with the perfect start to the growing season, it’s crucial that proper care is taken in the postharvest phase. This ensures that the highest quality raw materials reach the feedmill and our livestock.
