Retailers deal with variables outside of their control every single day. They’re tasked with responding to unpredictable weather, growing conditions, regulatory changes and staffing shortages, to name a few.
One recent change in the marketplace could have a significant effect on how retailers structure their herbicide programs. After over 60 years of production, Syngenta announced plans to exit paraquat manufacturing.
Paraquat, the active ingredient in Gramoxone® SL 3.0, has been a key component of desiccation and burndown programs for many retailers. Consistency of supply, support and stewardship for paraquat will likely look different as a result of this change in production.
This market shift raises practical questions for retailers, not just about product availability, but about how to structure effective programs moving forward. Here are a few key considerations for responding to this change in the market.
Paraquat Performance Profile
Before evaluating alternatives, it’s important to consider what paraquat does well and where it performs best.
“Paraquat’s fit has always been speed,” says Josh Putman, Technical Marketing Manager at BASF. “You can spray and plant with minimal wait time and no residual carryover.”
This speed of activity, paired with affordability, made it an appealing option for many farmers. However, those agronomic upsides have several operational tradeoffs for the retailers and applicators who are handling the product.
“Paraquat comes with significant handling requirements, including restricted use classification, specialized training for applicators and closed-system handling,” says Putman. “Additionally, because paraquat is a contact herbicide, it requires a high use rate for optimal control.”
Meeting the Need
To meet this changing market dynamic, retailers will need to proactively evaluate which chemistries can deliver fast activity, while also maintaining operational flexibility and consistency across acres. That’s where Sharpen® herbicide fits.
Flexible, Effective Desiccation*
Sharpen herbicide is a fast and complete harvest aid* for soybeans, canola and dry beans.2
Sharpen Herbicide Brings Operational Simplicity
For harvest aids, in-field performance is crucial. But ease of use is also important for the retailers and applicators handling the product.
Sharpen herbicide avoids many of the use restrictions tied to paraquat, with no restricted use protocols, closed system requirements or mandatory applicator certifications. Low use rate is another key difference. For effective harvest aid* and desiccation* applications, Sharpen herbicide needs only 1 to 2 fl oz/A.
“Operationally, Sharpen herbicide simplifies logistics,” says Putman. “Because of its low use rate, a few jugs can cover what might otherwise require significantly more product.”
Product support is also a differentiator in a shifting market. Sharpen herbicide is backed by BASF, whose local sales teams have been rated #1 for three consecutive years because of their dedication and expertise.3
Moving Forward
As you work with your customers to build desiccation* programs, consider adding Sharpen herbicide for flexibility, performance and ease of use.
Contact your local BASF representative today
