The logo and trading info for Corteva Agriscience displayed on the New York Stock Exchange in New York.  Photo: Reuters/Brendan McDermid

Investor nominates directors for Corteva, aims to oust CEO

Reuters — Activist investor Starboard Value LP said on Thursday it has nominated eight directors to the board of Corteva, seeking to oust its chief executive officer and take control of the pesticide and seed maker. Starboard, in its letter to Corteva’s chairman, said it had identified someone new for the top job, but declined […] Read more

(File photo by Lisa Guenther)

Corteva posts weak revenue, disappointing outlook

Reuters — Corteva Inc. on Wednesday missed analysts’ expectations for second-quarter revenue and its reinstated full-year forecast came in below estimates, sending the seed and pesticide producer’s shares down as much as nine per cent in extended trade. Good weather and higher planted area shifted corn volumes in North America to the first quarter, while […] Read more

Can icons simplify chemical labels?

Can icons simplify chemical labels?

Experts argue an internationally used set of icons could make labels easier to update and understand

Glacier FarmMedia – Judging a herbicide by its label can sometimes be as difficult as judging a book by its cover, especially if you’re reading product labels on your tiny smartphone screen. The Pest Management Regulatory Agency database on labels is made up of PDF files, which are often difficult to use when projected on […] Read more


Most neonics are used as seed treatment.

Pesticide regulation changes move ahead

Amendments will allow for less paperwork when using neonicotinoids

Farmers trying to access corn and soybean seed treated with neonicotinoid insecticides still must submit evidence showing the technology is required on their farms. However, the Ontario government says it has enacted regulatory amendments designed to reduce paperwork and redundancy in the application process. Spokespeople from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MOECP) say […] Read more


Waterhemp is a cross-pollinating species, which improves its ability to develop herbicide resistance.

Weed of the week: Waterhemp

The challenging weed rapidly develops resistance, so rotating herbicides is critical

Waterhemp can be controlled through a variety of approaches, but identification is often difficult. The weed — a non-native member of the pigweed family first discovered in Lambton County in 2002 – is an annual plant producing tens of thousands of seeds every year. It features narrow leaves, wavy leaf margins, and (almost completely) hairless […] Read more

Herbicide-resistant redroot pigweed continues to spread.

Weed of the week: Redroot pigweed

Economic thresholds run from five to 15 plants per 10 metres of row

Redroot pigweed can be a tough customer. But don’t wallow in despair – control is possible. Redroot pigweed (Latin name Amaranthus retroflexus) is an annual weed found throughout Ontario in cultivated fields, gardens, pastures, waste places, roadsides and, according to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, nearly any other disturbed area. While […] Read more

(Dave Bedard photo)

New Brunswick postpones pesticide use hearings

Deadline extended for written submissions

The New Brunswick government’s planned public hearings on the use of glyphosate and other pesticides are postponed, and more time is being granted for the public to file written briefs. The provincial legislature’s all-party standing committee on climate change and environmental stewardship on Feb. 5 announced it would hold hearings in Fredericton March 24-27 “on […] Read more


(ImagineGolf/E+/Getty Images)

Ag chem industry watching COVID-19’s spread

MarketsFarm –– China is a major producer of agricultural chemicals — and disruptions to production would have a ripple effect on North American supplies of crop protection inputs, such as herbicides and insecticides. Plant closures and transportation issues due to the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus are being followed closely, but the Canadian industry is reportedly […] Read more

Black-grass rising over and above a barley crop.

Using technology to pinpoint problem weeds

U.K. researchers create inexpensive, in-field herbicide resistance test tool

Britain’s island geography has been a major barrier for invading forces throughout history, but it’s not so effective at stopping the spread of invasive weeds. That’s why United Kingdom researchers have developed an inexpensive, convenient tool to help farmers identify resistant weeds, specifically black grass, as early as possible. Black-grass is to the U.K. what […] Read more