Rocky Ford Produce Farmers Feeling Financial Pain

ROCKY FORD, Colo. (AP) - Rocky Ford farmers say cantaloupes aren't the only crop that suffered a hit from a multistate listeria outbreak that has killed at least four people.

Colorado health officials say lab tests have linked the outbreak to a single farm in Holly that sold melons labeled as Rocky Ford cantaloupes. Jensen Farms has recalled its cantaloupes and farm owners have hired a food safety expert to determine how the problem occurred and how to fix it.

Farmers in the real town of Rocky Ford, about 90 miles away, say other crops took a hit too. Produce markets say some customers have been wary of any Rocky Ford produce, not just cantaloupes, including yellow and orange squash, tomatoes and watermelons.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)