The term “forever chemicals” to describe poly/perfluorinated akyl substances (PFAS) does more to alarm than inform. That’s the contention of Dr. Scott Mabury, which he provided during the Southwest Agricultural Conference at the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown Campus earlier this month. Why it matters: PFAS chemicals have generated debate and discussion ranging from demands for […] Read more
Tag Archives chemicals — page 2
The debate over ‘forever chemicals’
Much of the issue revolves around detection versus toxicity
Feds ask for public input on standards for municipal waste to be used for fertilizer
Municipal biosolids contain chemicals that don’t degrade, are toxic to humans, environment
The federal government is asking for public input as it prepares to implement interim rules for municipal wastes imported into Canada or sold as fertilizer.
Ag chem maker FMC looks to sell non-core assets
Reuters — Crop protection products maker FMC Corp. has launched a strategic review of its non-core assets, including a potential sale of its non-crop business. A slowdown in demand for herbicide and pesticides as well as excess inventories had resulted in large destocking in South America, denting the U.S.-based company’s earnings for much of the […] Read more
German farmers use innovation to help meet sustainability targets
The European Union has set some tough targets in its Farm to Fork strategy
Sustainable production is the latest focus in agriculture as countries around the world look for ways to deal with climate change. The European Union’s Farm to Fork strategy, for example, spells out ambitious goals for sustainable food production. Among its targets by 2030 are reducing chemical pesticide and antimicrobial use by 50 per cent and […] Read more
Ag input firm FMC’s shares tumble after lowering financial targets
Partners 'rapidly reduced inventory levels'
Reuters — Shares of FMC Corp. fell more than eight per cent on Monday after the agricultural products supplier cut its outlook for the year on volume declines in most of its major markets. “Towards the end of May, we experienced unforeseen and unprecedented volume declines in three out of our four operating regions, as […] Read more
Feds lift ‘pause’ on increases in crop chemical MRLs
New set of rules also calls for 'cosmetic' pesticide use to be banned on federal lands
Proposals to increase a crop chemical’s maximum residue limits (MRLs) on foods and food crops in Canada can again seek federal approval, after being put on temporary hold two years ago. Among several other changes, a planned new package of federal regulatory amendments will put a gradual end to a “pause” imposed in August 2021 […] Read more
Circular thinking, recirculating spray booms
Farmers told recirculating can reduce cost, time and environmental impact and manage water at priming and cleaning
Glacier FarmMedia – Recirculating booms have been around for half a decade, although the concept first came to Canada from Pommier about 20 years ago. Some farmers remain unconvinced that they can save time, cut waste and cover more acres per day. That’s why Tom Wolf, the Nozzle Guy, (sprayers101.com) decided recirculating booms should be […] Read more
France confirms S-metolachlor herbicide ban with 18-month deadline
Ban would mostly affect corn, sunflower crops
Paris | Reuters — France will proceed with a ban on major crop uses of herbicide S-metolachlor owing to concerns over water pollution, with farmers able to use the product for another 18 months, the agriculture ministry said on Friday. The decision follows a ruling in February by health and safety agency ANSES that main […] Read more
Opinion: Persistent chemicals can be managed in livestock
Research shows that grazing and crop sites, along with seasonal affects change how chemical levels show up in livestock
PFAS, known as “forever chemicals”, have been found just about everywhere on Earth, including in toilet paper. These chemicals are a group of artificial compounds based on carbon and fluorine – per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. They comprise thousands of individual chemicals with hundreds of documented uses, including water proofing and fire suppression. It […] Read more
‘Keep it Clean’ program aims for more than just good advice
Program seen as 'one stop shop' for ensuring marketability of grains
As farmers plan for the upcoming season, they need to do their part to make certain their grain will be ready for market, come harvest time. “Market access issues in general are becoming a bigger issue globally,” said Ian Epp, an agronomy specialist and lead on market access and pesticides with the Canola Council of […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
