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KENTUCKY WEATHER

Kentucky Farmers Defend Glyphosate Amid MAHA Claims

Kentucky Farmers Defend Glyphosate Amid MAHA Claims


By Blake Jackson

A recent report from the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission has drawn attention by questioning the use of herbicides such as glyphosate and atrazine.

However, the Kentucky Corn Growers Association (KYCGA) argues that these claims disregard decades of proven science and the realities Kentucky farmers face in producing safe and sustainable food.

The KYCGA stands firmly in support of science-driven regulation of crop protection products. The group warns that banning glyphosate and atrazine would severely harm farmers, raise food prices, and undo years of environmental progress.

“Kentucky corn farmers take pride in growing safe, sustainable food for our communities and the world. Tools like glyphosate and atrazine aren’t just critical for protecting our crops; they are also supported by decades of sound science and proven environmental stewardship," said Josh Lancaster, President of KYCGA.

"The MAHA Commission’s claims don’t reflect the reality of modern farming, and we cannot afford to let misinformation threaten our ability to feed people and protect our farmland."

Both glyphosate and atrazine have passed rigorous federal safety reviews. Farmers rely on them to boost yields while reducing environmental harm.

Without these tools, growers would be forced to use older, more damaging practices such as repeated tillage, which increases soil erosion, fuel use, and carbon emissions.

Kentucky farmers are already facing high production costs, with the USDA estimating $871 per acre in 2025. Crop protection products make up about 6% of that cost.

Removing glyphosate and atrazine would increase pest control costs by as much as 60%, placing greater financial strain on farmers and potentially raising grocery prices.

Modern pesticides also support sustainability. According to the National Corn Growers Association, using glyphosate has led to notable environmental benefits, including reductions in sediment loss, water usage, erosion, and carbon emissions.

Today’s corn farmers use fewer herbicides than in the past just 0.7 pounds per acre in 2021, compared to 1.7 pounds in 1990 while producing significantly higher yields. The KYCGA emphasizes that removing proven tools would threaten food security, sustainability gains, and farm livelihoods across Kentucky.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-nes

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Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Corn

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