Marcus Lopez
One potential downside to growing organic rye, is ergot infection. Claviceps purpurea is a parasitic fungus that can infect rye and other cereal crops. The sclerotia of the ergot fungus contains alkaloids which can be fatal to livestock and humans if ingested. Scout for a honeydew being produced from the flowers, and the sclerotia (pictured) after anthesis is complete. Sclerotia were noticed here in early to mid July.
A large range of grasses can host C. purpurea, so mowing wild grasses and crimping rye before they begin seed production will decrease the rate of infection in your fields.