The Washington Post isn’t usually the worst offender when it comes to the mainstream media trying to cover agricultural issues, but the outlet’s dicamba story, which was published online on Tuesday, has raised questions about why such one-sided reporting was employed.
The headline itself is grossly unfair. Surprised WaPo didn’t dig a little. It’s like they used a cookie cutter. Keep explaining, SOME listen
— R. Manjodh Garrett (@ManjodhFights) August 30, 2017
It’s no secret that dicamba drift has been one of the most talked-about topics of the 2017 growing season, with hundreds of complaints filed around the nation claiming damage to thousands of acres of crops. The herbicide works on soybeans that are part of the Roundup Ready Xtend Crop System, which includes resistance to the effects of dicamba. Where The Washington Post stumbled was with the focus on the negative effects without any effort to let the many positives into the discussion. We understand that things haven’t been all sunshine and lollipops for every farmer or neighbor where dicamba is used, but there are many different perspectives to this issue, and basic standards for companies such as The Washington Post are to let every side of the story be told.
Monsanto, in a series of tweets released on Wednesday, made sure that it’s side of the story was made public, even if the media didn’t want to include it. Here’s what the company said:
Here are some of our thoughts regarding to the @washingtonpost article on dicamba today: https://t.co/UuVXA7lIWZ /1
— Monsanto Company (@MonsantoCo) August 30, 2017
We are disappointed the article did not include comments from farmers who’ve had great success w/ dicamba. /2
— Monsanto Company (@MonsantoCo) August 30, 2017
Many farmers have used XtendiMax® with VaporGrip® technology w/ success during the 2017 season. Check #XtendYourYield for more stories /3
— Monsanto Company (@MonsantoCo) August 30, 2017
There are no silver bullets, or “miracles,” for weed control. Dicamba is an important tool and it’s one of many. /4
— Monsanto Company (@MonsantoCo) August 30, 2017
You can learn more about crop protection tools here: https://t.co/6BPIX1Sas2 /5
— Monsanto Company (@MonsantoCo) August 30, 2017
When we hear reports of potential crop injury from any cause it concerns us. Here’s our Open Letter to Customers: https://t.co/GKAgJ97De1 /6
— Monsanto Company (@MonsantoCo) August 30, 2017
We take these reports seriously, and we are looking into them thoroughly. /7
— Monsanto Company (@MonsantoCo) August 30, 2017
We are committed to standing with our customers every step of the way and helping that they have success this season and in 2018. /8
— Monsanto Company (@MonsantoCo) August 30, 2017
XtendiMax with VaporGrip Technology underwent extensive testing & evaluation leading to its launch. More info: https://t.co/NSziqQw3L2 /9
— Monsanto Company (@MonsantoCo) August 30, 2017
To date, Monsanto has directly worked w/ nearly 50,000 farmers & applicators at XtendiMax® with VaporGrip® technology learning events /10
— Monsanto Company (@MonsantoCo) August 30, 2017
We continue to hear from farmers that training & education efforts helped them use the tech successfully in 2017 https://t.co/rbHxwaJaiT /11
— Monsanto Company (@MonsantoCo) August 30, 2017
We ask customers to call 1–844-RRXTEND to report any leaf cupping or other symptomology in their fields. 12/End.
— Monsanto Company (@MonsantoCo) August 30, 2017
