EPA’s herbicide plan - more time, more feedback

Sep 08, 2023

Let's talk about herbicides and their link to endangered species. The EPA, our environmental watchdog, is diving deep into this connection with a fresh draft strategy.

The EPA's mission is to combine its pesticide rules with the Endangered Species Act. In simple terms, before green lighting any pesticide product, they want to ensure it won’t harm our endangered friends or their homes. It’s like a safety check for nature while we farm.

The unexpected turn is that the EPA initially gave folks 60 days to weigh in with their views on this draft. However, they've now extended that by another 30 days. Why the change of heart? It’s a mammoth proposal of over 900 pages. More time means more thoughtful feedback.

This isn’t just a debate for the scientists or officials. Every farmer sprinkling conventional herbicides on their field is in the spotlight. That’s why farmers nationwide are gearing up, sifting through the proposal, and collaborating with big industry groups. It's all about finding that sweet spot between farming efficiently and keeping our environment intact.

Source : wisconsinagconnection

Video: Winter Service Inspections for John Deere Equipment - The FarmCast Ep64

The FarmCast, host Troy Randall speaks with Doug Luedke, Vice President of Service, and Davin Peterson, Executive Vice President of Aftermarket at 21st Century Equipment, to discuss the importance of proactive service and how it helps farmers reduce downtime during their busiest seasons. The conversation focuses on the Winter Service Inspection Program, a comprehensive approach designed to keep equipment running at peak performance and limit costly in-season breakdowns through preventative maintenance and expert technician support.

Doug and Devin explain how 21st Century Equipment’s service teams have evolved to meet the needs of today’s connected machines. With more technology and data integrated into modern equipment, technicians now play a vital role in both mechanical repairs and precision ag support. Through advanced diagnostics, machine monitoring, and John Deere’s Expert Alerts, they can identify and address potential issues before they become major problems—saving customers valuable time, money, and frustration.

Throughout the discussion, the team shares real-world success stories demonstrating how proactive inspections and customer-focused service help maximize uptime and efficiency for every operation. Whether it’s a large tractor, combine, or small mower, the goal remains the same: to provide trusted, reliable support that helps farmers and landowners stay productive and confident in their equipment year-round.