Minn. farmers affected by floods urged to check grain

Standing water
The heavy rain caused water to pool on farm fields across Martin County, and more than two dozen other southern Minnesota counties.
MPR Photo/Mark Steil

Officials are reminding southern Minnesota farmers and farm businesses to carefully assess the condition of their grain.

The state Agriculture Department says grain may be considered adulterated if any part of the plant used for feed or food - such as corn ears or soybean pods - came into contact with contaminated flood water. That grain should not be used for human or animal consumption.

Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson says the risk of contamination is generally considered highest for crops that were submerged in water that overflowed from rivers or streams.

Standing grain that has been in contact with contaminated flood water from a river or stream should not be blended with uncontaminated grain.

Farmers with questions can contact the department's Dairy and Food Inspection Division.

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Online: http://www.mda.state.mn.us

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