The vast majority of corn and soybeans planted in Michigan continue to be varieties containing genetic modification, according to Marlo D. Johnson, regional director of the USDA NASS, Great Lakes Regional Office. Biotechnology varieties accounted for 91 percent of the corn acres planted in Michigan, up 2 percentage points from last year. Soybean plantings included 93 percent biotechnology varieties, up 2 percentage points from last year.
Nationally, 93 percent of this year's corn acreage was planted with biotechnology seed varieties, up 1 percent from last year. Producers planted 95 percent of the 2021 soybean acreage to herbicide resistant seed varieties, up 1 percentage point from 2020.
Farmers were asked if they planted corn or soybeans that, through biotechnology, are resistant to herbicides, insects, or both. Conventionally bred herbicide resistant varieties are excluded. Insect resistant varieties include only those containing bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). The Bt varieties include those that contain more than one gene that can resist different types of insects. Stacked gene varieties include only those containing biotech traits for both herbicide and insect resistance.
Categories: Michigan, Crops, Corn, Soybeans