Grain harvest 2020

Following a good start at the end of July the harvest season is still in full swing. After a dry spring and a changeable start of the summer (followed by an extreme heatwave) harvest prognoses were positive.

For the 2020/2021 season the International Grains Council (IGC) expects a total grain harvest of 2,22 billion tons due to lower yields in the U.S., Russia and the EU. Human consumption is expected to remain unchanged and demand from the compound feed sector will probably be lower. It will not lead to a shortage on the global market.

Due to global uncertainty wheat prices showed an upward trend until July and then they fell by well over €20.00 per 100 kgs. The market seemed to be recovering slightly in the beginning of August with a minor uptick, but do these prices say anything about the quality and quantity of the harvests? Or is the market reacting to the current crisis?

Mycotoxins

In the beginning of August various sources reported an increased risk of DON in corn and wheat in Europe with levels in excess of 150 ppb. Corn also has an increased risk of the presence of mycotoxins FUM and ZEA. This prediction is based on weather conditions and the forecasts for August. Mycotoxin levels will be higher in winter wheat than in summer wheat as a result of the cold and wet weather conditions at the end of July. Correct storage also plays an important role in the prevention of mycotoxin formation. High moisture content and a high temperature can cause storage fungi, leading to an increase in mycotoxin levels in grains.

The importance of mycotoxin prevention and control

Mycotoxins are toxic fungal metabolisms. There are over 400 different mycotoxins and the presence of higher levels or certain combinations of mycotoxins has a harmful effect on the animal.

Even low levels of ZEA, for example, can affect fertility, ochratoxin often causes hepatic and renal necrosis and the level of mycotoxin Aflatoxin B1 in dairy cattle is monitored continually because of its carcinogenic effect.

It is not possible to grow 100% mycotoxin-free crops, as many external factors affect them, such a weather and harvest conditions. Due to the many adverse health effects of mycotoxins it important to protect animals and consequently humans from their harmful effects. Therefore E.F.S. has developed its product Tox-Aid^®. Tox-Aid^® has a three-stage effect: it deactivates mycotoxins by means of enzymes, it consists of various clay minerals that bind mycotoxins and it contains a special mixture of herbs that support the animal’s liver and immune system.

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