Getting at the Root of Weeding Regulation

Re “State Bans Hand-Weeding on Most Farms,” Sept. 24: An emergency regulation to ban hand-weeding? The farmers of this state should be embarrassed.

I know I am.

As one who worked his early years hoeing and pulling weeds by hand and for more than 60 years has continued with these tasks, I learned early when hoeing was appropriate and when the hand-weeding was needed. Hoeing close to a plant is potentially harmful to its roots and stem.

The farmer and the field worker are the ones who should be making the decisions on how to remove weeds from the crops, not the government.

What is next? Regulations regarding the length and shape of the hoe handle, the size, angle and sharpness of the blade, the weight of the tool?

Donald L. Hager

Los Angeles

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Since weeding by hand has been banned as inhumane, can I sue my parents?

Scott Tucker

Monterey Park