July 12, 2017
Missouri farmers hope that the ban on Dicamba will be short lived. The state halted sales and application of the weed killer earlier this week, after farmers reported more than 130 cases of drift damage to 200,000 acres.
We recently talked with the Missouri Director of Agriculture, Chris Chinn, about her decision to ban the use and sale of Dicamba products. She explained the steps being taken to keep this ban short, and steps include working with companies to create a new label.
BASF says they have already sent proposed language for a new label to the state, and Chinn says the new labels will go into effect once the Bureau of Pesticide Control signs off. The Environmental Protection Agency will then have 90 days to approve the labels or ask for changes. And while Missouri hopes to keep its ban short, CropLife America says that these bans are premature and states should investigate all claims before making policy decisions.
CropLife America CEO, Jay Vroom says, “ It would be unfortunate to remove such a vital tool from farmers’ use without having all of the information to support that decision. Though most farmers practice good stewardship and regulatory compliance, it is clear that the action of a few is threatening the sound practices of many.”
Experts say there are many causes for this year’s growing drift problem which include: illegal over the top application of older formulations, spraying at night during temperature inversions, and improper tank cleaning.