Small amounts of ergot have been reported in the northern tier counties of North Dakota (and other parts of North Dakota). WinField United agronomist Jason Hanson says the hot spots span from Carrington, New Rockford and Maddock to Jamestown and Bismarck. If farmers find ergot in a sample, the crop can be cleaned. “Moldboard plowing is another choice, as well as rotation out. The challenge is it produces alkaloids, which can be toxic to animals (in feed) and humans,” says Hanson. “The standard is set at one-half percent, and I’ve heard samples as high as eight percent infection.” Listen to the story. (Photo by Terry Wanzek)