BASF plans to begin production of 1,4-butanediol based on renewable feedstock (renewable BDO) using the patented process of California-based company Genomatica. The one-step fermentation process is based on sugars as a renewable feedstock. BDO and its derivatives are widely used for producing plastics, solvents, electronic chemicals and elastic fibers. The starting materials for the production of conventional BDO are natural …
Weed Scouting Critical for Resistance Control
Scouting is more popular than ever to help farmers to be prepared. A recent BASF poll showed nearly 80 percent of growers are changing their weed management programs to head off herbicide-resistant weeds – and with resistance confirmed across 31 U.S. states, a good scouting technique is a must for every field. “Understanding the biology of the weeds already present …
More R&D from BASF Acquiring Becker Underwood
The recent acquisition of Becker Underwood by BASF is more than just putting the two companies together. It means more research and development as each is able to look at the other’s advancements and see how they might be able to combine products for maximum efficiency “Both companies are bringing together a lot of existing technology that we’re starting to …
Keeping Seed Treatments Where They Belong
You’ve spent some good money to treat those seeds before you plant them in the ground. But the dust that forms when the treated seeds rub together and rub off those expensive treatments is more than a loss of protection and an irritant for workers – it’s like money blowing away in the wind. Charlie Hale, marketing strategy and support …
VAULT HP Fixes More Nitrogen for Soybeans
One of the biggest concerns for any ag operation is getting the most out of your inputs. During the recent tour of BASF‘s newly acquired Becker Underwood St.Joseph, Mo. seed facility, Russ Berndt, product manager for legumes and northern crops for Becker Underwood, talked about the symbiotic relationship soybeans have with the living organism rhizobia, a soil bacteria that fixes …
Update on BASF Becker Underwood Integration
Becker Underwood and BASF hosted ag media representatives on Friday for a tour of the plant facility in St.Joseph, Missouri with an update on inoculant and polymer technology, as well as progress on the integration of Becker Underwood into the new Functional Crop Care division of BASF. BASF officially closed the deal to acquire Becker Underwood last November and announced …
Diverse Herbicide Program Needed for 2013
Common waterhemp, Palmer amaranth, giant and common ragweed, Italian ryegrass and marestail are all part of a growing group of yield-reducing “watch-out” weeds in the United States. With confirmed resistance to multiple herbicides, these species are top of mind for farmers this season. According to the Weed Science Society of America, weeds cause more yield loss and add more to …
BASF Sequential Fungicide Application Program
High-production corn growers can now utilize a fungicide program that includes the latest products from BASF: Priaxor fungicide and Headline AMP fungicide. More than 40 research trials across the Midwest from 2010 to 2012 show a sequential fungicide application program increased corn yield by 15.3 bu/A. The sequential fungicide application program involves an application of a Plant Health fungicide early …
BASF Promotes Comprehensive Pest Management
Behind every successful grower is science and strategy – both of which come together in a comprehensive pest management program, as BASF Technical Crop Production Specialist AJ Woodyard helped explain during the recent BASF Science Behind event. The program also featured farmers Randy Dowdy of Georgia and Kip Cullers of Missouri. AJ emphasized that each farmers challenges are different, leading …
BASF Shows How Priaxor Performs
Spring is officially here, at least by the calendar, and Midwest farmers are preparing for a new year with the 2012 drought in the rearview mirror and a new BASF Crop Protection fungicide that combines two powerful active ingredients into the most advanced chemistry ever developed for a range of products, including soybeans. During the 2013 Commodity Classic, BASF was …