Anette Linnea Rasmussen | Dreamstime.com
Discounted grain often comes with a familiar justification: it looks acceptable and the price is right. Lots with cracked or broken kernels are frequently viewed as manageable, especially when visible mold is absent. However, kernel damage fundamentally changes grain behavior in storage — and the associated risks are often underestimated.
Intact kernels provide a natural barrier against moisture and microbial invasion. Once that barrier is broken, fungi no longer need favorable conditions to gain access; they are already where nutrients are most available. This shortens the time between storage stress and fungal activity, increasing the likelihood of spoilage and mycotoxin development.
