(KLZA) As if the drought and blistering temperatures wasn't enough for farmers to deal with they now have another hurdle to jump. USDA Plant Pathologist Dr. Kitty Cardwell says this summer was perfect for aflatoxin to spread. ( PLAY AUDIO :08 SECONDS )
Farmers are now rushing to have corn samples tested for the fungus and reports show levels in Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa. Producers face discounted prices for corn with aflatoxin or depending on the level of fungus their crop could be rejected all together.
Cardwell explains the problems caused by aflatoxin. ( play audio :13 seconds )
Reports show trace amounts of aflatoxin present in some corn samples in Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas but it is way too soon to know if this will be a big problem as harvest continues. Corn with higher levels of aflatoxin will be rejected and demand for corn without the fungus will skyrocket causing prices to do the same.
Dr. Cardwell says this is a case where one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch as it spreads in storage. ( play audio :06 seconds )
It is not yet known if aflatoxin will be a serious problem this year but we already know there won't be as much corn due to the drought. If the problem is widespread the demand for corn without will increase significantly and so will the price.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Hiawatha man charged after escape from police custody
Meriden teen injured in Jeff co wreck
Two arrested in rural Horton drug bust
USD 415 board approves resignations, new hires
USD 115 board fails to fill vacancy after 3 votes
Fake sports rings seized enroute to Atchison
Early Saturday house fire battled in Atchison
Topeka woman arrested in Jackson Co on drug charges
Hearing held on USD 115 land transfer petition
Failure to stop, Georgia warrants, hold Atchison man
Lansing man arrested in overdose death
4th attorney appointed for TX man charged in fatal Jackson Co wreck
8-year-old injured in mid-week Atchison wreck
New Mayor appointed for Lancaster
LV man sentenced for teen sexual attack
K-9 bridge replacement underway in Nemaha County
LATEST STORIES
Motorcyclist injured in Winthrop, MO crash
Bird flu found in two KS dairy herds
Brown Co certifies election results
Winter help deadlines fast approaching
8-year-old injured in mid-week Atchison wreck
Easter celebrations set for Atchison
Nemaha Co Commission approves grant applications
4th attorney appointed for TX man charged in fatal Jackson Co wreck