Before, farmers only had the option of hoeing or plowing the fields to kill weeds before planting. This practice causes soil erosion and water pollution. With herbicide-resistant crops, farmers no longer have to till, saving them work and money. Zero tillage also helps preserve the soil and water. Farmers in the United States adopted GM seeds for crops that traditionally need a lot of herbicides. In just four years since their introduction, more than half of the US soybean crops grew from GM seeds. Did you know you eat soybeans all the time? Look at the labels on your snack foods!