Harvest Reminder: Follow Key Steps for Quality Loss Claims

This year's moisture has been a welcome sight for many Texas corn fields, but ample moisture combined with other climate factors can make the perfect recipe for quality loss.

Key steps must be followed when a farmer recognizes quality loss in their corn field to ensure that crop insurance covers the loss.

STEP 1: EVALUATE CROP

At the time of harvest, farmers should inspect their fields for signs of fumonisin, aflatoxin and other infestations. The presence of fumonisin and aflatoxin in corn fields can cause varying levels of cob rot, which can trigger quality adjustments or result in the rejection of the grain load at the elevator.

STEP 2: CONTACT INSURANCE AGENT BEFORE HARVEST

Farmers who suspect quality issues in their fields should contact their crop insurance agent to ensure they follow the process preferred by their coverage provider.

STEP 3: PROPER TESTING

To meet quality loss requirements, it's imperative that farmers complete the appropriate post-harvest procedures and approved testing for insurance claims.

The USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) determined Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) may consider Office of the Texas State Chemist (OTSC)-approved Texas grain elevator facilities to be approved laboratories for mycotoxin testing for crop insurance purposes.

The OTSC recognizes standardized corn sampling and analysis through the One Sample Strategy (OSS). There are multiple OTSC-approved analysis locations across the state, which are noted on the OTSC's website HERE.

However, not all locations are approved for crop insurance purposes. There are *by facilities approved for aflatoxin-related losses & **by facilities approved for fumonisin-related losses that meet the requirements for crop insurance purposes.

It is recommended that farmers coordinate with their crop insurance agent to ensure they follow the necessary procedures and utilize a crop insurance adjuster when appropriate.

The state's corn checkoff and association are here to be a resource for corn farmers as they navigate challenges such as quality loss may present to farmers at harvest time. Please contact a local Texas Corn Producers director on the checkoff or association boards, or TCP staff if we can be of assistance as the 2025 harvest continues.