July 6, 2010

Vomitoxin hits US wheat farmers

High toxin levels in wheat have cut into the income of some Ohio farmers this season.

Vomitoxin levels are the worst in 7-10 years in some areas, said Pierce Paul, a plant pathologist and small-grains specialist with the Ohio State University Extension Service. He said the toxin has thrived in parts of the state because of a cool, wet May that allowed fungus to grow.

According to Paul, the pathogen limits use of the wheat for humans. Producers should also be wary of feeding the infected wheat to livestock, particularly swine.

A farmer, who raises wheat in Newberry Township in southwestern Ohio, said this year's crop is the worst he has harvested in 40 years. He has lost about US$9,000 on this year's 125-acre crop. The current bushel price is US$4, and the farmer said his worst load of wheat was docked by almost US$3 per bushel.

The pathogen can decrease the appetite of animals, and long-term exposure can lead to gastrointestinal and immune system problems in people. Milling and manufacturing can reduce levels of the toxin.

Tri-State Grain Inspection Service Inc. in Cincinnati tests wheat harvests for vomitoxin, and it generally does fewer than 10 tests each day. The company did nearly 50 tests, and it expected to do dozens more, said agency manager Damon Sampson. Tests have shown levels of the toxin ranging 5-19 parts per million.

Plant superintendent Jim Routzahn said levels are the highest he's seen in 38 years. Some farmers have lost US$2 or more per bushel. "It's taking a lot of money out of their pockets," he said.