Thumbs Up For Beef Checkoff Program; Thumbs Down For Vacating Registration of Herbicide

The majority of beef producers say they approve of the Beef Checkoff Program. A recent survey found three out of four producers, or 76 percent, support the checkoff. The random survey of 1,200 beef and dairy producers nationwide was conducted by an independent firm in late December 2015 and early January 2016. The survey found an overwhelming majority of beef and dairy producers continue to say their beef checkoff has value for them in many ways. Results of the January 2016 producer attitude study shows support at the same level as a year ago.

A circuit court last week denied the EPA’s motion to vacate the registration for Dow AgroScience’s Enlist Duo herbicide. The EPA filed a petition last fall to vacate the label, which contains both 2-4-D and glyphosate. The herbicide was developed to help farmers combat weed resistance. EPA claimed it was concerned that the combination of 2-4-D and glyphosate may be harmful to non-target plants. As a result, farmers can still use the product and ag retailers can still sell Enlist Duo for the upcoming growing season. The product is registered in 15 Midwestern states.