DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – State environmental and agricultural officials are beginning to provide guidance to farmers who may have grain damaged by floodwaters along the Missouri River. Officials with the Iowa Department of Agriculture say the floodwaters came up slow enough that most farmers and businesses had time to move their grain. But they say grain that was left behind likely won’t be suitable for animal feed or human consumption. They say it can mold rapidly and contain toxins that are unsafe for livestock and wildlife.

Officials say owners must test the grain and submit a plan to the Iowa Department of Agriculture if they wish to salvage it. Iowa Department of Natural Resources officials say few options exist for disposing of the grain because birds are especially sensitive to toxins in the grain.