For decades, many Michigan farmers have relied on the herbicide Roundup for weed control. But the federal government has two conflicting policies that may affect whether they can continue to use this highly effective - and dangerous - product. At issue is Roundup’s active ingredient – glyphosate.

Environmental Reporter Keith Schneider is senior editor and chief correspondent at Circle of Blue. He recently wrote about the long history of research on this product’s carcinogenic properties, all the while its maker says the product can be used safely as directed.

Today, we’ll be talking with Keith about Michigan’s most popular farm herbicide, it's health risks, and how it’s regulated.

Background reading: 

Conflict Over a Blockbuster Farm Chemical

RFK Jr. tells farmers, GOPT not to worry about his report targeting pesticides

For decades, many Michigan farmers have relied on the herbicide Roundup for weed control. But the federal government has two conflicting policies that may affect whether they can continue to use this highly effective - and dangerous - product. At issue is Roundup&rsquo;s active ingredient &ndash; glyphosate.
Environmental Reporter Keith Schneider is senior editor and chief correspondent at Circle of Blue. He recently wrote about the long history of research on this product&rsquo;s carcinogenic properties, all the while its maker says the product can be used safely as directed.
Today, we&rsquo;ll be talking with Keith about Michigan&rsquo;s most popular farm herbicide, it's health risks, and how it&rsquo;s regulated.
Background reading:&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.circleofblue.org/2025/agriculture/conflict-over-a-blockbuster-farm-chemical/">Conflict Over a Blockbuster Farm Chemical</a>
<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rfk-jr-tells-farmers-gop-not-to-worry-pesticides-report/">RFK Jr. tells farmers, GOPT not to worry about his report targeting pesticides</a>

Ever wondered why we call ourselves “Michiganders”? Or why we say “pop” instead of “soda”? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That’s why we’re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special.

To share a story or submit your questions, head to michiganpublic.org/onhand

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

Ever wondered why we call ourselves &ldquo;Michiganders&rdquo;? Or why we say &ldquo;pop&rdquo; instead of &ldquo;soda&rdquo;? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That&rsquo;s why we&rsquo;re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special.
To share a story or submit your questions, head to <a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand">michiganpublic.org/onhand</a>
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="https://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work</a>: michiganpublic.org/podfund