The great drought of 2012 has devastated pastures and fields throughout Indiana. Not only did the lack of rain dry up pastures which required the feeding of forages meant for winter, it also severely stunted corn growth causing an increased uptake of nitrates into cornstalks. The damp conditions this fall resulted in mold growth on ears of corn which in some cases has been associated with aflatoxin in the corn. To add to the injury in some dried-up pastures, the only plants left growing were weeds, some of which could be poisonous to livestock. This year we have had reports of exposure to poison hemlock and white snakeroot which are having a banner year. Here’s looking forward to a snowy white Holiday Season (but not too snowy...).