Grain quality concerns abound following the extreme weather in Iowa during the 2020 growing season. Drought has encompassed most of the state this summer, hastening corn and soybean maturity. And the derecho windstorm that hit a wide area across the central portions of the state from west to east on Aug. 10 did extensive damage. The combination of drought, derecho and hot weather has Iowa crops maturing earlier than usual and raising a host of grain quality questions.

Storm-damaged corn plants were knocked to the ground by the derecho. Many cornfields were flattened, bent over or mangled by the strong wind. There was hail in some locations. Storm-damaged corn plants lying down on the ground is causing ears on stalks to quickly become moldy. A Sept. 16 in-person meeting and Sept. 17 live webinar will have Iowa State University specialists explaining management concerns and offering recommendations for harvesting, handling and marketing downed corn. Both events are free and begin at 7 p.m.

Storage, marketing issues

Grain storage, corn quality, marketing and related concerns will be discussed at the ISU Extension meeting in central Iowa at 7 p.m. Sept. 16 in Boone County. The in-person meeting site is the Leonard Good Community Center at 114 SW Eighth St. in Ogden. There will be ample opportunity to get your questions answered.

Steve Johnson, ISU Extension farm and ag business management specialist, and ISU grain quality expert Charles Hurburgh, ISU professor and director of the Iowa Grain Quality Initiative, will both make presentations. They’ll also answer questions from participants at the Sept. 16 in-person meeting. The webinar Sept. 17 will also cover grain quality, storage, marketing and related topics. 

If you want to attend the Sept. 16 in-person meeting at Ogden, note that ISU is prioritizing the health and safety of Iowans by following the most current federal, state, local and university COVID-19 guidelines. Visit Open for Iowa to learn ISU’s protocols to keep Iowans healthy and safe. Participants are strongly encouraged to wear a cloth face covering when in the presence of others and unable to maintain a 6-foot physical distance. Doors will open 30 minutes before the program starts.

You must preregister

Contact the ISU Boone County Extension office at 515-432-3882 with questions or to preregister on or before Sept. 16. You must preregister to attend this in-person meeting.

The live webinar on grain storage and corn quality at 7 p.m. Sept. 17 is  free but preregistration is required.

Additional considerations and information for harvesting and handling drought-damaged and wind-tangled cornfields are available on the Iowa Grain Quality Initiative website.