Roundup (branded) costs $12–$22 per acre for a standard soybean or corn burndown application in spring 2026. Generic glyphosate (41% ai) costs $6.50–$10.50 per acre at equivalent active ingredient rates. Switching from branded Roundup to approved generic glyphosate saves $5–$12 per acre with no agronomic difference on susceptible weed populations.
Current Signal: BUY
Year-over-year change: Flat to -5%
| Market / Region | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Generic glyphosate 24 oz/acre | $6.50 – $10.50/acre |
| Roundup PowerMax 24 oz/acre | $12 – $20/acre |
| + Custom application (ground) | $4 – $8/acre |
| Full program (generic + app) | $10 – $18/acre |
Generic 41% glyphosate provides identical weed control on susceptible populations at the same active ingredient rate. The branded premium is marketing, not chemistry. Most agronomists recommend generics for commodity crops.
On farms with confirmed glyphosate resistance (Palmer amaranth, waterhemp, marestail), a second or third herbicide mode of action must be added. These tank-mix partners — dicamba, 2,4-D, Enlist, Liberty — add $8–$25/acre to the spray program.
Spring burndown before corn or soybean planting is the primary use of glyphosate. Rates of 22–32 oz/acre (0.75–1.0 lb ae/acre) at $14–$22/gal (branded) drive the cost range.
Ground application adds $4–$8/acre custom spray cost on top of product cost. Aerial adds $10–$18/acre. Application method multiplies total per-acre cost by these amounts.
Branded Roundup PowerMax 3 at 24 oz/acre costs $12–$20/acre for product only, plus $4–$8/acre application cost. Generic glyphosate at the same rate costs $6.50–$10.50/acre.
Yes, in virtually every case. EPA requires equivalent active ingredient performance. The only scenario where branded Roundup may outperform is when the formulation adjuvant package provides measurable benefit — which is rare in warm, humid conditions.
Rate (oz/acre) ÷ 128 (oz/gal) × price ($/gal) = product cost/acre. Example: 24 oz/acre ÷ 128 × $16/gal = $3.00/acre for generic.
No. Glyphosate resistance is widespread in Palmer amaranth, waterhemp, horseweed/marestail, ryegrass, and others. Fields with confirmed resistance need alternative or supplemental modes of action.
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