A non-profit international group encouraging ag biodiversity published a detailed report at this link on Dec. 1, revealing that the Argentine public has stepped up opposition against GMO crops and related chemicals. It could be a preview of coming distractions here in the Midwestern USA.  Almost certainly, any meaningful opposition to biotech in America will arise

In-furrow fertility offers one of the most consistently favorable cost-return ratios. And it’s easy to trickle nutrients, biological inoculants, and WakeUP in-furrow behind the seed with your planter. The per-acre volume isn’t high, so you don’t slow down the planter much at all. It’s also one of the easiest techniques to test and refine. You can typically see

A “Congress of Physicians” in Argentina, representing regions heavily sprayed with ag pesticides, today released a new declaration demanding immediate curbs on ag pesticides which they see as responsible for worsening health in their population. To fully understand the facts and their determination, here’s the link to the Declaration of the third national congress of physicians

Several environmental groups are celebrating yesterday’s “revocation” of EPA’s approval for the herbicide Enlist Duo, a combination of 2,4-D and glyphosate. However, EPA’s language in responding to litigation indicates EPS’s “vacatur” or setting aside a registration, as more of a pause to reconsider than a permanent cancellation. EPA officials haven’t responded to our phone message as of Nov. 25.

Cover crop benefits to soil biology keep multiplying with new evidence: More species means a widening spectrum of beneficial soil organisms and helpful insects to combat pests and pathogens. However, “terminating” cover crops with glyphosate imposes another exposure to a non-selective herbicide which is a well-established biocide against specific beneficial soil bacteria.  We’ve experimented with various

First,  here’s a link where you can download a new, free, 16-page guide to “Cover cropping for pollinators and beneficial insects.”  It’s from SARE — Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education. Now, some reasons why variety in cover crops helps your entire farm ecology. Adding variety in your cover crop species multiplies habitat for beneficial insects —