The Weedkiller That Went Rogue

The use of the herbicide dicamba, which has become popular among farmers in recent years, is causing significant damage to crops on neighboring farms. This issue is not just about farmer-against-farmer disputes, but larger corporations, including Monsanto (now owned by Bayer) and BASF, are being sued by farmers for the production and distribution of this herbicide. The damage, which includes curling leaves and stunted growth, has affected millions of acres of crops across the Midwest. The peach farmer in Southeastern Missouri, who was one of the first to notice the issue, is currently in court suing these corporations for the damages he has suffered. The impact of this herbicide on various crops continues to be a significant concern for farmers in the region.

There's ongoing controversy surrounding Monsanto's release of Roundup, a weed killer, despite knowing potential harmful effects. The product, worth billions of dollars, was genetically modified to make crops resistant, allowing farmers to spray it across fields and kill weeds while their crops remained unaffected. However, the use of Roundup led to the emergence of a new, resilient weed called dicamba. Farmers, including one peach farmer, have filed lawsuits against Monsanto due to the damage caused to their crops. This issue, with potential implications on American agriculture, is currently a significant case of corporate misconduct. For more information, tune in to the show discussing the rogue weed killer. Additionally, for music lovers, check out the Tiny Desk Contest sponsored by Capital One, where unsigned musicians can submit their original songs for a chance to win a Tiny Desk concert and tour.

Farmers have been facing resistance from weeds against common herbicides like Roundup, leading Monsanto to develop new herbicide-resistant crops. The introduction of dicamba-resistant soybeans was a game-changer, allowing farmers to effectively combat weeds such as pigweed. However, this new technology brought about unintended consequences. The gene for dicamba resistance was derived from bacteria and inserted into soybeans, enabling the plants to detoxify the herbicide. Farmers embraced this technology, particularly in areas where pigweed had been a major issue. By 2017, the adoption of dicamba-resistant soybeans was widespread, and farmers reported significant success. However, in 2018, issues arose when non-targeted crops, like those of farmers who did not want to use dicamba-resistant seeds, were adversely affected by the herbicide drifting from neighboring farms. This led to a complex web of challenges for farmers and regulators alike.

Farmers in certain areas have been experiencing damage to their crops due to dicamba drifting from neighboring fields, despite following label instructions. This is different from previous herbicide drift issues, as dicamba can volatilize, or turn into a vapor, and travel significant distances. Farmers have noticed a distinctive cupping of leaves as a sign of dicamba exposure. When farmers confront their neighbors about the issue, some neighbors deny responsibility and blame the farmers for their crop damage. This volatile nature of dicamba has led to widespread concerns and even tragic incidents, such as a shooting in Arkansas in 2016 between two farmers over the issue. This issue has been ongoing for some time, and scientists have been studying it to better understand the causes and potential solutions.

The use of dicamba herbicides is causing damage to susceptible plants, including crops and wild vegetation. This issue is not limited to farmers, as trees and other plants have also been affected. The companies producing these herbicides, such as Monsanto and Bayer, attribute the damage to user error and improper application techniques. However, the widespread use of these herbicides, due to the prevalence of weed problems and the lack of effective alternatives, has led to a reluctance from regulatory agencies to remove them from the market. Farmers argue that they need these tools to remain competitive, and the easy solution is for everyone to adopt dicamba-tolerant seeds. Despite the controversy and concerns, it is clear that there is a problem with dicamba herbicides causing damage to non-target plants.

The use of dicamba in soybean farming is a contentious issue, with many farmers feeling coerced into using it due to the widespread presence of dicamba-resistant weeds. A current court case against Monsanto, the company that produces dicamba, has revealed that the company may have known about potential issues with the herbicide but did not conduct adequate testing. The outcome of this trial will be closely watched, as the Environmental Protection Agency is set to reapprove the use of dicamba at the end of the year. This issue has been a persistent problem for farmers for years, and the question remains whether the reliance on this product and the significant financial backing behind it will allow it to continue despite its negative effects. Dan Charles, NPR's food and agriculture correspondent, has reported extensively on this issue and shared his insights during the interview.

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