CHEMICALS used on grain crops could render the crops useless for animal feed, the Victorian Department of Primary Industries has warned.
The DPI says grain growers need to look at the labels of chemicals they have used during the whole season, before deciding whether to cut for hay.
DPI chemical standards field services program manager Alan Roberts said some chemicals might have restrictions about use on crops destined for animal feed.
"It doesn't necessarily mean the chemicals are dangerous to animals, but that the chemical was tested for grain to be harvested and not for crops to be fed to livestock," Mr Roberts said.
Agriculture chemicals in Australia are tested for safety and effectiveness by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.
The APVMA also approves labels that give directions as to how the chemical should be used.
Mr Roberts said grain growers may need to provide a commodity vendor declaration to the livestock producer that says the chemicals used are fit for the purpose of feeding to livestock.
He said some of the chemicals might have 12 to 14-week withholding periods, while others might have withholding periods for the life of the crop.
Growers should think about whether they might eventually cut their crops for hay when buying chemicals, Mr Roberts said.
Australian Fodder Industry Association executive officer Colin Peace said about 90 per cent of hay was sold domestically, but some was exported into Japan, where it was tested for residue.
Fungicides could be a problem if consumed by stock before the withholding period had elapsed, he said.
