[Rodamala]

Monsanto’s glyphosate patent expired in 2000, and since then dozens of glyphosate formulations have flooded the market, each differentiated by a host of brand names that represent their products with all the subtlety of a monster truck rally.

In a world where things like climate change and herbicide-resistance are taking power from farmers and into the unpredictable hands of the elements, the sense of control — or illusion of control — can mean a lot.

As with the original Roundup, a burly wild west ethos predominates with names like Ranger, Rascal, Rattler, Honcho and Rodeo. Just what do cowboys have to do with killing plants? “They both evoke nature and a kind of ‘do-what-it-takes’ mentality, masculine strength, and determination pitted against nature and outlaws of all kind,” says Laurel Sutton, Principal at Catchword Branding, who points out in the “lawless West” it was the lone rangers (so to speak) who brought order and justice to the land. Sure enough, if you add other herbicides besides glyphosate into the equation, you find the names Lasso, Bronco and Lariat to boot.

Still shopping for the perfect herbicide name? Try out the law and order angle of Prosecutor and JuryR or the military tinges of Prowl, Stealth and Stinger. And let’s not forget the strange romance of being swept away by Buccaneer, Silhouette, Tango and Escort, which are more reminiscent of Harlequin titles (or condoms) than weed killers.

Why all the brawn and bluster? “Names like these that use metaphors or evocative language are a good way to get at unpleasant concepts like killing and death in a less offensive way,” says Sutton. “They definitely convey an independent American feeling — they’re tough, but not in a bloody or violent way.”

(snip)

[factoryrat]

Monsanto will single-handedly destroy agriculture in North America, and will profit handsomely while doing it. And they will have the gratitude of the US government and their vested interests for doing so. See zimbabwe, ethiopia, south africa, soviet era russia, china, and every other despot run third world shithole as an example.

Those who control the food, control the country. Famine is a powerful weapon.

[elcid1970]

I guess the gunfighter image in the herbicide ads has to do with pointing a `weapon’, firing, and causing death.

Believe the goal is to sell herbicide. And most husbands would rather handle the weedkilling task involving HAZMAT by themselves, than leave that for their wives to do.

[dainbramaged]

White vinegar is an excellent herbicide.

[verga]

Bttt

[Cyber Liberty]

Wow! "Macho-sounding" names sells product to men! Who'd athunk it?

Here's a comment from the article:

prasad • a day ago

If you want to make an argument about farming practices, and why smothering fields with herbicide to control all weeds is dangerous, *please* do so. Overuse of such substances is a serious issue. But do so honestly, with scientific arguments and facts. Not with silly sneering and innuendo about SUVs, action films and testosterone (or chick flicks and sleepovers for that matter.) This is no way to decide what responsible farming looks like, or which substances are safe in what doses. What next? Reciting humorous drug names to figure out proper antibiotic use?

2 2 • Reply • Share ›

[Flick Lives]

Macho names for herbicides? what sort of names would the author prefer?

- Strongly Worded Letter

- Raised Voice

- Verbal Warning

- Cajole

- Persuade

[PIF]

Former Klean Up user - cat pee

Former Ranger Pro user - Stronger cat pee

Current Round Up Pro Max user - works as advertised

[eartrumpet]

Last year we tossed a few goats in the back field to eat weeds. We soon had a lovely grass field with no weeds. One day the lady who sprays noxious weeds for the county was parked back there taking pictures of the field. But that won’t work in most crops.

[RegulatorCountry]

Well, in the spirit of alpha-maternalism for which the author seems to long, I’d like to suggest a few names for herbicide, of which she will no doubt approve:

Planned Weedhood

Arbortion

Gro-Choice

Herbal Hygiene

Hillary!

[chesty_puller]

Agent Orange....I know it very well.