While glyphosate has been the most widely used crop protection chemical in the world for some time, the criticism and regulation of this herbicide continues to be a major concern. In fact, a future ban is not out of the question for this valuable herbicide that has been used by no-tillers since its launch in 1976

Besides its many weed control benefits, glyphosate helps keep food prices affordable, reduces carbon emissions, boosts yield and increases profits for farmers. Here are a half-dozen concerns I have about future use of this herbicide:

1.No-Till’s Favorite Herbicide

Data from the 2024 No-Till Operational Benchmark study shows glyphosate is the most popular herbicide among no-tillers. 82% of growers use it on corn, and 85% use it with no-tilled soybeans.

2.Global Concerns

Due to low glyphosate prices and increasing imports into North America and other markets, there’s currently a worldwide oversupply of glyphosate. Data from Persistence Market Research shows worldwide demand for glyphosate continues to increase at an annual growth rate of nearly 5%.

In addition, the introduction of lower-end glyphosate products from Chinese chemical manufacturers is having an impact. This has led to less-effective glyphosate formulations offered at much cheaper prices.

3.More Herbicide-Resistant Weeds

The extensive use of glyphosate has resulted in 48 herbicide-resistant weed populations over the past several decades. This resistance will likely lead to the need for alternative, more expensive herbicides as well as new weed management strategies. A recent USDA study showed weeds are 32% less responsive…