Expert: It’s time for cotton growers to explore over-the-top Dicamba alternatives

Cotton growers will be without over-the-top Dicamba this year, and Oklahoma Extension specialist Jenny Dudak says that will require some adjustments.

“You know, the loss of Dicamba would be devastating, I think,” said Jenny Dudak. We do have cotton producers in the state of Oklahoma that plant Dicamba cotton, so they need to think about alternatives or what they’re going to do moving forward if they stick with that Dicamba cotton. A couple of things that I would like to spread the word on to keep in mind are making sure we’re putting down residuals pre-planting. We want to make sure we’re starting clean in that growing season, so we can stay clean throughout the growing season or stay as clean as possible. And then we do have some over-the-top post options like Liberty and Roundup, some of those types of chemicals that you can spray, and if they still work on your farm.”

A Federal Court ruling last year removed Dicamba from rotation but allowed growers to use existing stocks. Back in November, a small group of senators asked the EPA to deny any future registrations of Dicamba, arguing that tighter restrictions had already been tried and were not enough to mitigate the damage.

Related Stories
Experts warn pests could reduce yields and raise costs for producers
Dr. Gold encouraged farmers and ranchers to prioritize eye safety in their daily routines, offering his expertise to help reduce risks on this week’s Rural Health Matters.
Dave Duquette, founder of Western Justice, joined us to discuss wolf management, rancher concerns, efforts to return control to the states, and his upcoming documentary, “Wolves: True Conflict.”
Citrus production depends heavily on reliable irrigation, making water shortages a critical issue for South Texas growers moving forward.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy and under the Clean Air Act, approved the temporary measure to help stabilize fuel supplies and reduce costs for consumers.
EPA Administrator Scott Mason shares updates on farm equipment regulations, regional accomplishments, and federal efforts supporting agriculture in honor of National Ag Day.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

For rural communities, this shift could mean new housing options for farmworkers and young families priced out of metro markets.
The modest cut should slightly reduce borrowing costs on operating loans, land notes, and equipment financing for agriculture, giving some relief to producers under heavy debt loads.
Sen. Roger Marshall, a founding member and chairman of the Make America Healthy Again caucus, joined us with his thoughts on the commission’s latest report and the key ag-related issues.
Produce markets are in transition as fall approaches, with leafy greens and berries under pressure, while vegetables like celery, broccoli, and cauliflower are finding firmer ground.
Grain shippers face lower freight values thanks to weak soybean exports and strong rail service, but barge traffic and forward Gulf loadings suggest continued uncertainty as harvest ramps up.
It’s been a decade since Hurricane Rita ripped through southwest Louisiana, and recovery has been a long, difficult process for many who have lived in the coastal area. Today, oyster farming offers a pearl of hope.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.