Recently, a U.S. court decision has stirred significant discussions within the agricultural community. The ruling, which banned three dicamba-based weed killers from Bayer, BASF, and Syngenta, has far-reaching implications for American agriculture. Let’s explore the implications of this ruling, its effects on farmers, and alternative crop protection strategies.
Recent Dicamba Rulings and Their Implications
The court’s decision to ban dicamba-based weed killers is not the first of its kind. This ruling follows a similar ban in 2020 and highlights the ongoing debate over the use of these herbicides. The ruling cited the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for breaking the law in allowing these weed killers on the market.
The Dicamba Ban’s Impact on Agriculture:
The ban on dicamba-based herbicides could have left many farmers in a difficult position. These herbicides are a crucial tool for managing yield-robbing weeds, especially in soybean farming. The ban likely would have financially hurt growers who have already planned their next crops, as they could struggle to shift away from dicamba herbicides or crops that tolerate the chemical.
The Good News | EPA’s Existing Stocks Order
In response to the ruling, the EPA issued an Existing Stocks Order for Dicamba Products Previously Registered for Over-the-Top Use on Dicamba-Tolerant Cotton and Soybean. This order allows growers to legally apply dicamba to their dicamba-resistant soybeans as long as it’s already in their possession or in the possession of chemical retailers like AgriMAX.
Alternative Crop Protection Strategies
Despite the ban, there are alternative crop protection products and strategies available to farmers. Pre-emerge herbicides are increasingly important and effective when applied correctly. In the XtendFlex platform, Liberty (glufosinate) can effectively control resistant weeds. AgriMAX’s sales agronomists can help farmers identify the correct rate, timing, and volume for these alternatives.
For customers considering changing to the Enlist soybean platform, AgriMAX can accommodate this transition. Customers are encouraged to talk to their sales agronomists for more information, or reach out to us for assistance!
AgriMAX Is Here To Help!
The recent dicamba rulings have significant implications for American agriculture. While the ban presents challenges for farmers, there are alternative crop protection strategies available. AgriMAX remains committed to supporting its customers through these changes and providing them with the tools and information needed to navigate this evolving landscape.