BASF Announces New Collaboration With AGCO To Enhance Operation Weed Eradication

As weed resistance continues to rise, BASF joins forces with AGCO to drive a mindset change in pigweed control behaviors

Research Triangle Park, NC (February 27, 2020) - BASF and AGCO, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural equipment, have announced that they will join forces for BASF’s Operation Weed Eradication initiative. The collaboration will provide farmers with agronomic expertise to help promote best practices for on-farm eradication of pigweed.

Herbicide-resistant pigweed is a major economic issue for U.S. farmers. It has the ability to grow rapidly and produce large amounts of seed, out-competing crops and causing significant yield loss. Operation Weed Eradication calls on the industry to take action against pigweed through a balanced approach of cultural and mechanical practices, chemical control and diligence.

“Collaboration within our industry is an important factor for making Operation Weed Eradication a success,” said Scott Kay, Vice President, U.S. Crop, BASF Agricultural Solutions. “We are proud to work with AGCO to give farmers the best cultural and mechanical recommendations to make on-farm eradication of pigweed a priority.” Beyond chemistry, implementing sound cultural and mechanical practices is key to help eliminate seed production of pigweed.

Beyond chemistry, implementing sound cultural and mechanical practices is key to help eliminate seed production of pigweed.

“At AGCO, we actively focus on the top agronomic challenges faced by farmers,” said Darren Goebel, AGCO Director of Global Agronomy and Farm Solutions. “In some cases that means developing new sensors, systems, or machines; but in others it means collaborating with industry partners like BASF, to solve problems together. We’re excited to join forces with BASF to focus on herbicide-resistant pigweed species and the threat they pose to our food supply and the farmers we serve.”

BASF will continue to collaborate with industry leaders, while also providing educational resources to farmers around the chemical control, cultural and mechanical practices and diligence needed to support its efforts with Operation Weed Eradication. Farmers can join the effort and learn more by visiting OperationWeedEradication.com.


About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division: With a rapidly growing population, the world is increasingly dependent on our ability to develop and maintain sustainable agriculture and healthy environments. Working with farmers, agricultural professionals, pest management experts and others, it is our role to help make this possible. That’s why we invest in a strong R&D pipeline and broad portfolio, including seeds and traits, chemical and biological crop protection, soil management, plant health, pest control and digital farming. With expert teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we connect innovative thinking and down-to-earth action to create real world ideas that work – for farmers, society and the planet. In 2018, our division generated sales of €6.2 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or any of our social media channels.

About BASF: BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 20,000 employees in North America and had sales of $19.7 billion in 2018. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.com. At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 122,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of around €63 billion in 2018. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.