Kellogg's commits to reducing widely used herbicide in supply chain; wheat growers surprised

[Dickster]

31. It is widespread in wheat country...

Roundup is used about 10 days before harvest to kill any weeds that may be present that would make it more difficult to harvest. It also kills any unripe wheat plants in order to even out the ripeness of the plants. Before Roundup, most farmers cut and windrowed the wheat with a swather, and left the cut wheat plants in a narrow row where it was left for a day or two to dry out and desicate any weeds. Then it was picked up by a special header that fed it into the combines and threshed. The system works but the wheat in windrows are susceptible to rain, and once wet, takes longer to dry out. The use of Roundup just makes it a little easier to harvest, as the wheat can be straight cut with a bigger header on the combine. I agree that it should not be allowed that close to harvest.