Rain Makes Grain, but could make forage into garbage

July 27, 2016 (updated Nov 13, 2019)

Rain on forage after cutting has shown to cause leaching of nutrients.  Namely soluble carbohydrates, proteins and certain minerals.  In alfalfa, it can cause leaf loss, which contains the greatest amount of nutrients.  Other factors to watch for is heating and mold growth in the bales.  With any mold growth can promote mycotoxins that can affect your herds productivity.  Testing your forages can help you make sound management decisions on how to move forward with your feeding plans.

Grain quality can be affected by fusarium and vomitoxin.  Rain and humidity can cause an environment conducive to fusarium. Any rainfall at harvest or near harvest will also affect falling number, it is best to try to bin this quality separately to avoid quality issues.  It is best to test grains before they get sold to determine the best market value.

Contact Central Testing Laboratory today to discuss Grain and Forage testing. info@ctl.mb.ca or 1-877-955-7861