Iowa Grain Quality Initiative

The Iowa Grain Quality Initiative (IGQI) at Iowa State University is a cutting edge grain quality research and information program. The mission of the Iowa Grain Quality Initiative is to create knowledge and provide information that will improve the efficiency of traditional commodity grain markets and will assist emerging markets for user-specific grains.

The Iowa Grain Quality Initiative (IGQI) project developed from interest by the Iowa Corn Promotion Board, the Iowa Soybean Association, the Iowa Legislature and Iowa State University Extension in increasing the value of Iowa grain. Through this common vision IGQI was created. These organizations united in the belief that matching grain quality more closely to specific users' needs would promote economic growth.

Featured Information

Dealing with Frost Damage on Corn and Soybeans
Check this updated ISU Extension publication to find out how to identify, handle and store frost damaged corn and soybeans.
Grain Management and Storage Strategies
Sourcing Corn for Ethanol - The rapid expansion of Iowa’s ethanol industry has changed corn distribution patterns to support more local processing. This study collected data to indicate the magnitude of current and future impacts of ethanol production on Iowa agricultural logistics. November 2006
Bioterrorism Act, FDA Title III, 306 Record Maintenance - A training module for producers and grain elevators to walk through on recordkeeping.
U.S. FDA Registration and Record Maintenance Review - There are two sections of the act which elevators and feed mills must take action on to be compliant with the law.

Mycotoxin in 2007 Corn Harvest

Aflatoxin in Corn (PDF) 9/2005
Aflatoxin Fact Sheet (PDF) 9/2006
Grain Fungal Diseases & Mycotoxin Reference (PDF) 9/2006
Grain Quality Problems Appearing in Parts of Northern Iowa (PDF) 9/27/2007
Iowa Corn Growers Aflatoxin Fact Sheet (PDF) 10/24/2007
Iowa Farmers in Drought-Stressed Areas Should Test for Aflatoxin (PDF) 9/26/2007
National Corn Growers
Risk of Aflatoxin Contamination Increases With Hot and Dry Growing Conditions (PDF) 9/19/2005
Science of Aflatoxin Growth and Identification (PPT)
Vomitoxin Fact Sheet (PDF) 9/2006
Wet Weather Raises Corn Quality Concerns (PDF) 10/19/2007
PM 1698 Corn Ear Rots, Storage Molds, Mycotoxins and Animal Health (PDF)

Did You Miss ICM? Our Presentations Are Still Available

Current Issues in Grain Management and Storage - This presentation was given at the 2007 ICM Conference.
Impacts of Increased Local Processing: Update on Ethanol and Soybean Operations - This presentation was given at the 2007 ICM Conference and focuses on defining the scope and variation in the current industry as well as measuring the impacts of growth.

ISU Extension Crop News

5/8/2008 - ISU Extension Audio: Interviews for the Week of May 5
Listen to interviews about patience during planting season, La niña and corn and soybean yield, farm sector prosperity and the rural economy, and more.

5/7/2008 - How Much Corn Planted in Iowa Depends on Location
According to a new USDA report, 18 percent of Iowa’s corn crop has been planted, well behind the 42 percent that had been planted a year ago and the five-year average of 64 percent. However, those percentages don’t explain where the corn has been planted, say Iowa State University Extension specialists.

5/6/2008 - Iowa State University Hosts 2008 Biobased Industry Outlook Conference
Sept. 7-9 event will showcase crops, cropping systems and equipment at the new ISU Century Farm.

5/5/2008 - Integrated Crop Management News Is Online and on Time

When crop research news happens, Iowa farmers and agribusiness professionals want to know — and now they know a lot faster, thanks to the Integrated Crop Management (ICM) News Web site.

4/30/2008 - ISU Extension Audio: Interviews for the Week of April 28
Listen to interviews about getting into wet fields at the start of the 2008 growing season, La Niña and potential yields for corn and soybeans, mitigating air emissions and more.

4/24/2008 - Midwest Composting Course Offered in Iowa
The school focuses on a combination of hands-on training, lecture and discussion, facility operator panel discussions and problem solving.

4/23/2008 - ISU Extension Audio: Interviews for the Week of April 21
Listen to interviews about weather conditions during planting, land values, the health of manufacturing, Iowa States’ sesquicentennial and more.

4/17/2008 - Agritourism Producers Encouraged to Register Operations on Visit Iowa Farms Web Site
Agritourism producers are encouraged to list their agritourism operations on a central Web site hosted by Iowa State University Extension, www.visitiowafarms.org.

4/16/2008 - Wet Weather, Soil Temperature May Delay Spring Planting
If it doesn’t dry out soon, planting will be delayed in some places in the Corn Belt, ISU Extension climatologist says.

4/16/2008 - ISU Extension Audio: Interviews for the Week of April 14
Listen to an interview with a NASA specialist about living your dreams, as well as interviews about farmers’ corn planting intentions, the Clay County Fair, options for gardeners and more.