FNA launches generic grassy weed killer Aurora

A generic Group 1 herbicide is Farmers of North Americas (FNA) newest entry into the discount weed killer market for Canadian farmers.

Saskatoon-based FNA, which brokers deals for lower-cost imports of ag inputs on members behalf in the West, Ontario and Quebec, recently launched Aurora, a clodinafop-propargyl product as part of the "MPower" product line it set up in January.

"Members have demanded that FNA create a competitive alternative to current wild oat products," Darren Palendat, FNAs crop protection products manager, said in a release. "We have invested significantly over many years to bring this generic herbicide to market."

Palendat said he expects Aurora -- which has the same active "fop" as Syngentas Horizon herbicide and other companies brands such as Foothills, Signal, Ladder and NextStep -- will have "as much or more" impact as when FNA brought Clearout 41 Plus to the glyphosate market.

The active ingredient provides grassy weed control in spring wheat and durum, a market FNA estimated to be worth over $200 million. Aurora, however, is to be "priced much lower than previously available in the market."

The MPower program is meant for FNA members to receive discounts and other membership benefits through their purchases. Aurora is currently only available to FNA members and is to include an "additional" MPower reward to members when seasonal volumes and final costs are determined.