By Associated Press July 03, 2010
Troy, Ohio
A toxin found at high levels this season in wheat has meant lower income for some Ohio farmers.
Levels of vomitoxin are the worst in seven to 10 years in some areas, said Pierce Paul, a plant pathologist and small-grains specialist with the Ohio State University Extension Service. He says the toxin has thrived in parts of the state due to a cool, wet May that allowed fungus to grow.
The pathogen limits use of the wheat for humans, and Paul said producers should be wary of feeding the infected wheat to livestock, particularly swine.
Roland Sink, who raises wheat in Newberry Township in southwest Ohio, said this year's crop is the worst he's harvested in 40 years. He says he's lost about $9,000 on this year's 125-acre crop.
Sink, 60, said he lost an average of $1.25 per bushel because of vomitoxin and the wheat's low weight. The current bushel price is $4 and his worst load of wheat was docked by almost $3 per bushel, he said.
Vomitoxin can decrease the appetite of animals and long-term exposure can lead to gastrointestinal and immune system problems in people.
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