Fusarium headblight has been evolving for decades as it has spread through North America’s cereal grains areas reports The Western Producer.
So too have farmers, buyers and processors, as the wheat and barley markets grapple with the costs and impacts of the fungal disease.
The disease, which can savage a wheat, durum or barley crop’s value, knocking it down to feed status if infection is bad, is endemic is major growing regions like Manitoba and the Dakotas.
Elevators and handlers have responded to the disease by setting tight specifications and establishing relatively stable discount schedules, as well as expanding their catchment areas in years when local crops are badly affected.
Read the full report at The Western Producer.