Round Up Ready corn means that Round Up can be applied to the growing corn to control weeds without hurting the corn yield.

Here in Iowa, we have 13.2 million acres of corn this year. Most of it is "Round Up Ready".

We also have 11.1 million acres of Soy Beans that are mostly "Round Up Ready".

Most of the cotton planted in the US is "Round Up Ready".

Round Up Ready crops have been around since the late 1990's and increase crop yields and farm incomes. Round UP Ready crops are planted all over the world.

For a real "Farm Tour" ... come visit Iowa.

"Round Up Ready crops have been around since the late 1990's and increase crop yields and farm incomes."

so that means it's a good thing?

Whether it's good or bad, the use of Round-up Ready crops has increased the yields substantially and enables producers worldwide to produce enough to feed almost everyone at a relatively low price.

And it's not just the specific RR crop that benefits. My neighbor follows a RR canola with either a winter wheat or oats crop the following year. By using RR, it allows for a better crop (less weed competion) the following year.

For better or worse that's the way it is.

Lloyd

Glad to hear this farmer is growing a cover crop, otherwise his "dust" will end up in Vermont! Too many farmers have forgotten the "dust-bowl" years. Before my time but relatives lived thru it.

I knew there was a good reason I no longer eat corn or soy! Still working on eliminating non-organic cotton.

Here is a link that might be useful: the dust bowl years

Here is an interesting documentary about the Monsanto Company who make Round-up. Worth watching.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6262083407501596844#

Thanx Booswalia for the video link.. Very disturbing.

ron

The biggest problem with round up ready crops, IMO, is that they are genetically modified to acquire that trait. There is no attmept to control these plants from cross pollinating with non-genetically modified crops that may be planted in the area. Cross-contamination of genetic modification will spread like a invasive species that cannot be killed with herbicides.

The story line might make for a good horror movie.

And Monsanto is already claiming that some of these cross contaminated seeds are then "theirs" because it contains there patented product.

Monsanto tried to claim the cross contaminated seeds as theirs until they were counter-sued. I don't think they're going that route any longer.

tj

Here is a link that might be useful: No-Mo Monsanto