Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach invites area farmers to utilize free testing later this week to determine nitrate levels in corn stalks that may be cut for silage. ISU Field Agronomist Mike Witt will be traveling throughout the region performing simple acid tests to identify nitrate concentrations in drought-stressed plants. High nitrate silage can be toxic to animals and humans and should not be used for feed. The first testing in the area will be offered at the Calhoun County Extension office tomorrow (Wednesday) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Witt heads to the Greene County Extension for testing from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. that afternoon. Samples will be accepted on Thursday at the Shelby County office from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the Guthrie County office from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday’s testing is at the Crawford County office from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The next local testings are on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at the Carroll County Extension office from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and at the Sac County office from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Producers are asked to bring three stalks of varying maturity from different points in their fields to these sites to determine nitrate levels. For more information, contact your local ISU Extension and Outreach Office.
