Corn is the largest crop grown in the U.S., and bioethanol represents the largest segment of demand for that corn — approximately 40%. However, Deoxynivalenol, commonly known as DON or Vomitoxin, presents a significant threat to the entire corn industry, particularly in bioethanol
and animal feed production, which require strict quality standards.
As a result, corn contaminated with DON is often either rejected or purchased at a lower price than healthy corn at bioprocessing facilities. While farmers are the experts in what works best for their operations, bioethanol producers like POET are dedicated to providing insights and best practices that help maximize corn quality and boost marketability.
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The growing threat of DON
While DON does not impact bioethanol quality, it has significant effects on animal feed co-products. When contaminated corn is processed into animal feed, DON can cause feed refusal, reduced weight gain, and gastrointestinal issues in animals, particularly in swine and poultry. To
produce high-quality animal feed and avoid these issues, bioethanol facilities may reject corn with high levels of DON.
“DON contamination is a serious issue that affects the entire supply chain, from corn growers to livestock producers,” said Greg Breukelman, President of POET Bioproducts. “Livestock producers are already feeling the economic strain, as contaminated feed leads to poor performance
and, in some cases, significant financial losses. Because of DON’s impact on animal feed, particularly dried distillers grains, bioethanol facilities are less likely to accept contaminated corn.”
DON’s devastating impact on animal feed makes it one of the largest corn quality issues for the U.S. bioethanol industry today.
“As the largest producer of bioethanol and the largest processor of corn in the U.S., POET is directly impacted by this growing issue,” said Christian McIlvain, President of POET Grain. “Estimated damages associated with DON in corn may exceed $100 million in a single crop
year, and that number is only continuing to grow.”
Historically, DON has been most prevalent in the Eastern Corn Belt, but recent trends show that this contamination is likely to spread westward, affecting more of the U.S. corn crop every year. In the 2023-24 marketing year alone, DON cost the agricultural industry millions of
dollars, and these costs ultimately trickle down to farmers through lower corn prices and lost demand.
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Defending corn demand in a challenging market
Corn prices have now dropped to a four-year low, making it more important than ever to defend corn demand across all markets. For farmers selling their grain to bioethanol producers like POET, the stakes are high.
Quality standards for bioethanol production are rigorous, and corn contaminated with DON often doesn’t make the cut, reducing the market for affected corn.
“We need to protect corn demand, especially when prices are low,” said McIlvain. “As bioethanol producers, we have a vested interest in helping farmers produce high-quality, marketable corn. That’s why we’re investing in research and partnerships to find long-term solutions to
the DON issue.”
One key way POET is addressing this problem is by engaging with Ohio State University (OSU) on how growers can mitigate DON in their operations. The university recently released a study that determines how various corn hybrids perform when exposed to DON.
This research is helping identify which corn varieties are more resilient to DON infection and which are more susceptible.
“Corn hybrids can make a huge difference when it comes to DON contamination,” said Andy Vickers, Agronomist at POET. “Farmers who are selecting the right hybrids for their region can reduce DON risk, leading to better yields and marketability. Fungicide application, grain handling,
storage, and bin management practices also play vital roles in reducing DON levels.”
Insights from Ohio State University
Ohio State University’s research, The OSU Deoxynivalenol Resistance Screening Program, provides invaluable data on which corn hybrids are most resistant to this damaging toxin. Results from OSU’s test plots have yielded critical findings, and ongoing studies will help enhance recommendations.
This data, combined with insights from farmers across the POET network, will help bioethanol producers and farmers alike reduce the economic burden of DON contamination.
“Results from these studies are crucial for making informed decisions,” said Vickers. “We’re excited to keep POET’s producers informed about which hybrids are performing best against DON, and we’ll continue to share updates from this year’s studies and beyond.”
POET encourages farmers to contact their local grain merchandisers if they are interested in participating in future DON studies. By working together, bioethanol producers and farmers can find solutions to this problem and ensure that the U.S. corn crop remains viable and competitive.
A call to action for farmers
The battle against DON is about more than bioethanol production — it’s about the future of the corn market. As POET continues to invest in research and partnerships, the company is also looking to its community of producers for help.
"By working together, we can find solutions to the DON issue for farmers and biofuel producers alike," said McIlvain.
As farmers plan for the next planting season, it’s essential to consider corn hybrids that reduce the risk of DON contamination. By making informed decisions now, farmers can protect their crops in the future. For more information on DON-resistant corn hybrids, producers are encouraged to consult Ohio State University’s Deoxynivalenol Resistance Screening Program or speak with their local POET Grain merchandiser.
Together, we can tackle the challenge of DON and keep the U.S. corn market strong for years to come.
