FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NCGA Launches Weed Resistance Management Learning Center
Online Tool Provides Education on Technical and Cultural Management Practices That Can Help Growers Prevent Weed Resistance

ST. LOUIS, MO (April 28, 2004) – Recognizing the need to preserve the viability of technologies that farmers depend upon, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA)  has developed an online Weed Resistance Management Learning Center (WRMLC) to educate growers and ag industry professionals on how to prevent weed resistance.  

Now accessible at www.ncga.com, the WRMLC was produced by NCGA with the support of the leading developers of agriculture biotechnology. The WRMLC is the second installment in NCGA’s grower education strategy, following the release of the Insect Resistance Management Learning Center in March 2004.

In both Learning Centers, participants go through a series of simple ‘how-to’ lessons on steps they can take to manage against resistance. Following each audio/visual lesson, participants complete a short quiz that can result in continuing education credits if satisfactorily completed. The WRMLC is approved by the American Society of Agronomy for Certified Crop Advisors to earn continuing education units.

“NCGA is pleased to provide producers and industry a platform to receive education on integrated weed resistance management strategies,” said Nathan Danielson, Director of Biotechnology and Business Development for NCGA. “Our grower members depend upon biotechnology and prevention of weed resistance is critical to maintaining that option. That makes the WRMLC central to our mission.”

The WRMLC focuses on a variety of resistance management strategies, including rotation of herbicides, use of alternative modes of action and implementation of cultural weed control methods. Its content reflects the scientific databases and conclusions of the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) and the Weed Science Society of America.  HRAC is an international body founded by the agrochemical industry.

“It is critical that everyone involved with developing, marketing and applying crop protection technology in the field work together to prevent the loss of valuable crop production tools. The WRMLC is a positive step forward in helping us to that.”

For more information or to participate in the WRMLC, visit www.ncga.com or call NCGA at 636.733.9004.

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The National Corn Growers Association’s mission is to create and increase opportunities for corn growers.  NCGA represents nearly 33,000 members, 45 affiliated state organizations and hundreds of thousands of growers who contribute to state checkoff programs. For more information, log on to www.ncga.com.