Monday Mycotoxin & Crop Report for October 26, 2026

Welcome to our last Monday Mycotoxin & Crop Report for this harvest season!

This report serves as a bi-weekly update for crop conditions, weather outlook, and mycotoxin levels. Information is sourced from the USDA, NIDIS, and US Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative. 

As harvest activity advances across much of the U.S., weather conditions remain highly variable. Above-normal temperatures persisted across much of the central and eastern U.S., while cooler conditions dominated much of the West. Periods of heavy rainfall slowed harvest operations in portions of the Plains, Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast, while continued dryness remained a concern across the Pacific Northwest, Delta, and Southeast. 

1. Corn maturity reached 95%, while harvest advanced to 44%. National corn condition remained at 56% good-to-excellent. 
2. Soybean harvest reached 64%, while 96% of the crop had dropped leaves. 
3. Winter wheat planting reached 63%, with 39% emerged, both remaining behind the 5-year average.  
   
   

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Weekly Weather Summary

Weather patterns remained unfavorable for uninterrupted harvest progress in many production areas. Temperatures averaged 2°F to 8°F above normal from the central and southern Plains through the Ohio Valley, while much of the West experienced near- to below-normal temperatures. Above-normal precipitation occurred across portions of the central and northern Rockies, central and southern Plains, upper Great Lakes, and sections of the Northeast. In contrast, many areas of the Pacific Northwest, Delta, and Southeast received less than 25% of normal rainfall. 

From a mycotoxin perspective, widespread crop maturity limits the risk of new field infections in many growing regions. However, persistent rainfall and delayed harvest activity may increase the risk of grain quality deterioration in areas where crops remain unharvested. Regions experiencing prolonged wet conditions should continue monitoring grain quality and stored grain conditions as harvest progresses.

Crop Progress & Condition Overview

• Winter Wheat – Winter wheat planting reached 63% by October 18, trailing the 5-year average by 6 percentage points. Emergence reached 39%, which is 4 percentage points behind the 5-year average.
  
  Recent precipitation across portions of the Plains has supported soil moisture for establishment, although planting progress remains slower than normal. Current mycotoxin concerns remain low because the crop is in its early development stages. Weather conditions during establishment will continue to influence crop vigor heading into dormancy.
  
  For harvested 2026 winter wheat, mycotoxin concerns have largely shifted from field development to grain quality monitoring and storage. Areas that experienced significant moisture during grain development should continue testing stored grain for DON and related quality concerns. 
  
  DON levels have been observed in the following states:

• • Michigan: 1 ppm
  • Illinois: 2 ppm
  • Ohio and West Virginia: 3 ppm

• Corn – Ninety-five percent of the nation's corn crop was mature by October 18, 1 percentage point behind the 5-year average. Harvest reached 44%, trailing the 5-year average by 8 percentage points. National condition ratings remained unchanged at 56% good-to-excellent. Iowa reported 72% of corn in good-to-excellent condition.
  
  The following states have pockets of corn that are behind the national average of very poor and poor conditions: Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota and Texas.
  
  Most seasonal mycotoxin risk windows have passed; however, harvest delays caused by wet weather may increase quality concerns where mature corn remains in the field. Continued monitoring is warranted in regions receiving repeated rainfall events, particularly where grain moisture remains elevated or harvest has slowed.
  
  Aflatoxin levels have been observed in the following states:
  • Iowa: 20 ppb
  • Kansas: 20–50 ppb

         Fumonison levels have been observed in the following states:

• • Kansas: 5–10 ppm
    

We are receiving initial reports of DON in areas of Ontario and will continue to monitor as more information and confirmed levels are received. 

Thank you all for engaging with us this corn and wheat harvest season and sharing helpful insights on risk and outbreak locations. We look forward to sharing with you again next year!

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