07/06/2017: Nutriad apply weather forecasts to predict mycotoxin challenge

Erik Visser - Nutriad CEO

 Using a compilation of data from past weather patterns, combined with regional mycotoxin levels of past six years, multinational feed additives producer Nutriad has created a model to generating predictive information on future mycotoxin challenges, that could help the industry to act rather than react. This model will be made available in the USA, where Nutriad is cooperating with renowned meteorologist Thomas Novak of Novak Weather Consultants. 

 Plant, animal, and human epidemics are influenced climatically hence forecasts of weather have already been developed to guide control strategies for many important diseases worldwide Now Nutriad will relate weather-based plant disease forecasts to recent climate change models, and provide a prediction on the effects of climate change on the occurrence of mycotoxins. 

 Weather is a key player on crops contamination, as different mold grows in different temperatures and humidity, and can be stressed by climate changes in different stages of their lives. Higher than usual rainfall can stimulate mold growth while a drought can stress them, increasing the risks of mycotoxin production. The same can occur with temperature, as higher or lower than usual temperatures can influence molds to produce mycotoxins. 

 Nutriad CEO Erik Visser stated, “Nutriad has obtained a leadership position in mycotoxin management, working closely with customers around the world, sharing information and developing practical solutions for all species. Around the world our product specialists work with producers, independent laboratories and universities on the development of highly effective mycotoxin deactivators. At the same time we are supporting the industry knowledge on how mycotoxins affect animals and how the challenges can be minimised. After the publication of mycotoxin surveys in various countries, the launch of our app Mycoman, Nutriad now introduces the mycotoxin forecast model. It further underlines our commitment to continuously work on supporting customers to take conscious decisions related to mycotoxin risk control.” 

 Over the next six months Nutriad will monitor weather conditions across the US and later in the summer the company will a threat matrix measure for mycotoxin challenges in the 2017 small grains and corn crops. The threat warning will define levels as low, medium or high. The first of each month Nutriad will provide weather data that projects conditions forward for 30 days. Nutriad delivers products and services to over 80 countries through a network of sales offices and distributors. These are supported by four application laboratories and five manufacturing facilities on three continents.  

Visit the Nutriad website here. 

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