By Brian Hefty

Durango and Roundup are LESS EXPENSIVE today than last month, and less by quite a significant margin.  Now is the time to buy if you want the best deal on glyphosate for 2013!  Here are the 6 main things you need to know:

  1. For 2 years in a row, farmers who bought in September saved around 25% on their glyphosate compared to waiting until in-season late in the spring.  We expect a similar pattern to continue this year.  Don’t wait!  This program only lasts until Sept. 21, and it’s only if you physically take the product home with you.
  2. If you need new minibulk tanks to qualify under the new tank regulations that went into effect last year, both Dow and Monsanto have tank deals right now on a limited basis.  Each company is only offering this on a limited number of tanks, so it’s first-come, first-serve.
  3. Both Roundup and Durango store just fine in cold weather.  I would still keep my glyphosate in heated storage just so no one bangs into your poly tank when it’s minus 30 outside, but you can keep these products in unheated storage if you choose.
  4. Monsanto will have rebate programs again for 2013 with residual herbicides, meaning your net cost for PowerMAX or WeatherMAX will be less than generic, once again.  Dow is NOT offering rebate programs tied to Durango, though, so keep that in mind.
  5. To give you an idea how important other farmers view this September fill program, last year there was a similar program and more than 40% of all the Roundup we moved at our stores went out the door in early September.  This year we expect that number to be 50%, as many farmers understand that the supply issues we saw in 2012 could reoccur in 2013.  Since commodity prices have remained high, there’s a decent chance the big chemical companies will raise prices next spring or even later this fall.  Why not buy your 2013 inputs before your costs go up?  You’ve got the chance right now, BEFORE SEPTEMBER 21.
  6. Even though the program lasts until September 21, if you pick up and pay for at least 250 gallons of Roundup or Durango by September 14, you will receive a free jug of Tempo (a $50 value).  Limit 1 jug of Tempo per farm operation.  I spray Tempo around (and in) my house on a regular basis, as it controls crickets, spiders, ants, mosquitoes, Asian lady beetles, wasps, and many other insects.  It is labeled to use in homes, schools, barns, hospitals, and almost anywhere else.