According to USDA meteorologists, ocean surface data from the Pacific coastline of South America suggests a rapidly emerging El Nino.  Models indicate that the phenomenon will be fully developed by summer.

Under the influence of an El Nino, corn yields are usually higher as recorded in 14 of 17 cycles since 1970.  This is due to heavier precipitation and warmer weather. The downside is that prolonged periods of dry weather when corn is in the silking and especially if followed by high humidity, proliferation of molds occurs, resulting in mycotoxin contamination of feeds.

 It is evident that with high moisture levels at harvest, the presence of mycotoxins should be carefully monitored. Corn harvested with moisture levels above 14 percent will require drying. Quality will benefit from inclusion of mold inhibitors to suppress elaboration of toxins during storage.  The presence of potentially toxic levels of aflatoxin in pullet and layer diets can be controlled by blending if possible and inclusion of mycotoxin binders, both zeolite based and enzymatic in action.

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