ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 25, 2024) ~ Annapolis, MD - The Maryland Department of Agriculture and the University of Maryland Extension have announced that they will be offering free mycotoxin testing for farmers in the state. This program is a joint effort between the two organizations and aims to help farmers ensure the safety of their grains.

Mycotoxins, including aflatoxin, fumonisin, and vomitoxin, can have negative effects on livestock growth and performance. In addition to testing for these toxins, the program also includes screening for nitrate and prussic acid in forage. These services are provided by the department's State Chemist Section.

According to Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks, this testing is just one of many services offered by the department to support farmers. "I encourage farmers to take advantage of this testing to assist in assuring grains being sold in Maryland are safe," said Atticks.

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Farmers who are interested in participating in the testing program should contact their local Extension office for assistance with sample collection and preparation. Once samples are collected, they will be submitted to Extension who will then facilitate transportation to the department's State Chemist Lab.

The lab will analyze samples for various mycotoxins such as aflatoxin, fumonisin, ochratoxin, T2H2 toxin, vomitoxin, and zearalenone. Forage samples will also be tested for either nitrates or prussic acid. Results from the department will be sent back to farmers within 24-48 hours through Extension along with guidance on how to interpret the findings.

For more information on this program, farmers can contact State Chemist Tom Phillips at 410-841-2721 or via email at tom.phillips@maryland.gov. This initiative serves as a valuable resource for Maryland farmers in ensuring the safety of their grains and ultimately protecting their livestock's health.

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