NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is shifting its approach to over-the-top (OTT) dicamba applications on dicamba-tolerant cotton and soybeans. Instead of calendar-based cutoffs, the agency has proposed a new system tied to temperature forecasts, requiring applicators to use data from the National Weather Service or NOAA.
The new labels move away from past state-imposed cutoff dates and instead rely on daily and next-day temperatures, according to Nicholas Brown with the North Carolina State Extension Service.
- Applications are permitted when both forecasts remain below 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with 20 fluid ounces of volatility reducing agent (VRA) required.
- Between 75-85 degrees, the VRA requirement doubles.
- At 85–95 degrees, applicators must either reduce treated acreage by 40 percent or eliminate tank mix partners, still including a VRA.
- Any forecast of 95 degrees or higher prohibits use altogether.
The EPA says the changes simplify compliance compared to the past 40-page labels, though state regulators caution that shifting from date cutoffs may complicate planning. If finalized, the new labels could apply for the 2026 growing season.
Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: Farmers will need to closely monitor forecasts, as temperature cutoffs replace fixed spray dates. Planning flexibility may be reduced during hot spells, making compliance more weather-dependent.
In part seven of his blog series,"Top 10 Developments in Ag Law and Tax in 2023,” agri-legal expert Roger McEowen covers the #1 issues, SCOTUS and defining a “Water of the United States.”
February 22, 2024 01:15 PM
·
In part six of his blog series,"Top 10 Developments in Ag Law and Tax in 2023,” farm legal expert Roger McEowen tackles issue #2, foreign ownership of ag land.
February 02, 2024 08:00 AM
·
In part five of his blog series, “Top 10 Developments in Ag Law and Tax in 2023,” Roger McEowen tackles issue number three, California’s Prop 12 pork regulations.
February 01, 2024 04:06 PM
·
In part four of his blog series, “Top 10 Developments in Ag Law and Tax in 2023,” Roger McEowen tackles issue number four, the Employment Retention Credit.
January 31, 2024 09:00 AM
·
In part three of his blog series, “Top 10 Developments in Ag Law and Tax in 2023,” Roger McEowen covers the Corps of Engineers’ mismanagement of Missouri River water levels.
January 30, 2024 02:29 PM
·
Two more key developments in ag law and taxation from 2023, a crackdown on biodiesel fraud and developments in self-employment taxation (#7 and #6), are the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post, the second in a series by RFD-TV agri-legal expert Roger McEowen.
January 18, 2024 12:44 PM
·
The start of the review of the most important ag law and tax developments of 2023—that is the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV agri-legal expert Roger A. McEowen
January 04, 2024 12:20 PM
·
As we start the new year, let’s take a look at some of the legislative items from 2023 affecting agriculture that will continue to play out in the political area for months to come.
January 02, 2024 12:00 PM
·
Recent developments in ag law and tax — that is the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV-Agri-Legal Expert Roger McEowen.
December 19, 2023 02:45 PM
·
