Daily Dicamba Update: Dicamba Technology Demands Multiple Levels of Stewardship

Editor’s note: Everyone involved with production agriculture has a critical role to play in the proper stewardship of new products, such as dicamba-based herbicides, including strict adherence to all label guidelines. The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) continues to work with industry partners to inform growers about specific requirements related to dicamba use in Illinois. Here are some of the latest tips from ISA’s website.

For 2018, anyone who purchases or applies any dicamba product must be licensed by the State of Illinois as either private or commercial applicators.

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Online venues listed below are now approved in Illinois for required dicamba certification:

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You must register for the online training. The online training will require that you go through the materials and be tested at the end of the module. Upon completion of the knowledge test, you will receive a certificate of completion of the training.

For more information please visit ifca.com/illinoisdicambatraining.

Responsible Use of Dicamba for 2018

On October 13, 2017, U. S. EPA issued new requirements for the application of dicamba products to further minimize the potential for drift to damage neighboring crops from the use of dicamba formulations used to control weeds in genetically modified cotton and soybeans.

New requirements for the use of dicamba “over the top” applications will allow farmers to make informed choices for seed purchases for the 2018 growing season.

  • Under the 2018 new formulations of dicamba label changes:
    • Only a certified applicator can apply the product, or someone who is directly supervised by them.
    • The applicator must receive specialized training in applying the product. This can be technical training offered by the state, or if that is not available then they can receive training from the tech companies.
    • A producer must record the conditions when applying the product, including wind speed, application rate, and the number of acres. A bill of sale must also be kept as a record.
    • The herbicide can only be applied if the maximum wind speed is 10 mph or less and is only allowed from sunrise to sunset.
  • Farmers/applicators need to reduce drift and volatilization according to the product label by adhering to specific boom height, sprayer speed and nozzle type.
  • Anyone employed to apply general use pesticides must have a license from the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
  • Given the potential damage from off-target movement of dicamba to non-tolerant soybeans and other sensitive crops, all farmers need to take the following steps:
    • Identify the proximity of non-tolerant soybeans and other sensitive crops; and
    • Prioritize communication with neighbors before planting; during planting, spraying, and scouting; and after harvest.

For more information, click here.

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