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Economic Analysis of Mycotoxin Testing at High Capacity Grain Markets
TSM 416 Technology Capstone Projects
  • Eric Bair, Iowa State University
  • Phoenix Briggs, Iowa State University
  • Zach Ross, Iowa State University
  • Andrew Sauerbrei, Iowa State University
  • Joseph R. Vanstrom, Iowa State University
  • Jacek A. Koziel, Iowa State University
Publication Date
4-28-2017
Course Number and Title
TSM 416: Technology Capstone
Department
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Major
Agricultural Systems Technology (Bair, Ross, Sauer); Industrial Technology (Briggs)
Instructors
Joseph R. Vanstrom and Jacek A. Koziel
Problem Statement

Feed Mills and Coops have 200-800 semi loads of grain coming into their facilities per day and need to know the total cost to test, the breakeven point between in-house and lab analysis, and the cost per bushel. Contamination occurs in very low quantities, a handful of contaminated kernels can contaminate a whole truckload of grain above acceptable limits. Mycotoxin outbreaks occur in years with the right weather conditions, so some years there is no real need to test frequently, and in bad years it might be required to test every truck load. We produced an Excel spreadsheet that enables the feed production manager to change testing methods and inputs and gives a cost analysis that will help in the decision making process.

DOI
https://doi.org/10.31274/tsm416-180814-4
Citation Information
Eric Bair, Pheonix Briggs, Zach Ross, Andrew Sauerbrei, Joseph R. Vanstrom and Jacek A. Koziel. Economic Analysis of Mycotoxin Testing at High Capacity Grain Markets. Final Report. TSM 416 Technology Capstone Project, April 28, 2017.