EPA Reauthorizes Over-the-Top Dicamba Use on Soybeans (2026–2027)
On February 6, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a new, time-limited registration allowing over-the-top (OTT) dicamba use on dicamba-tolerant soybeans for the 2026 and 2027 growing seasons. This action follows previous court vacaturs and restores access to OTT dicamba under a framework that includes the most restrictive federal label requirements to date. In Illinois, this federal registration applies in conjunction with additional state-specific restrictions administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, meaning applicators must comply with both the EPA-approved label and all applicable Illinois regulations, following whichever requirements are more restrictive.
Federal Requirements Under the New Dicamba Registration
The new EPA registration includes detailed federal requirements that apply to all over-the-top dicamba applications on soybeans where the federal label is controlling:
- Applications are limited to a maximum of two over-the-top applications per year.
- Each application is limited to a maximum rate of 0.5 pounds acid equivalent per acre.
- The total annual use rate is capped at 1.0 pound acid equivalent per acre, reducing the allowable annual amount by half compared to previous registrations.
- Temperature-based application restrictions replace prior calendar cutoff dates. If forecasted temperatures for the day of application or the following day are between 85°F and 95°F, only up to 50 percent of untreated dicamba-tolerant soybean acres within a county may be treated on that day. Applications are prohibited entirely if forecasted temperatures reach or exceed 95°F on the day of or the day after application. Forecast information is based on National Weather Service data.
- Volatility reduction agents are required for every application at increased rates specified on the label. The required rate has been doubled compared to prior labels and typically requires 40 ounces per acre of an approved volatility reduction agent to reduce post-application volatilization.
- Drift reduction agents must be included in every tank mix, along with continued requirements for coarse or coarser spray droplets, a maximum boom height of no more than two feet above the crop canopy, and wind speed limitations between 3 and 10 miles per hour.
- A downwind spray buffer of 240 feet is required. Buffer distances may only be reduced if additional label-approved mitigation practices, such as hooded sprayers or windbreaks, are used.
- Aerial application is prohibited, and tank mixes containing ammonium sulfate or ammonium sulfate-containing products are not allowed due to increased volatility risk.
- All dicamba products approved for over-the-top use remain classified as Restricted Use Pesticides, requiring application by a certified applicator who has completed dicamba-specific training. Dicamba-specific training is required annually.
Endangered Species and Conservation Practice Requirements
The new registration significantly expands requirements related to runoff and endangered species protection:
- Applicators may be required to consult EPA’s Bulletins Live! Two system when directed by the product label. Bulletins are product-, location-, and month-specific and identify Pesticide Use Limitation Areas where additional protections apply. If a bulletin applies, it becomes part of the enforceable label. https://blt.epa.gov/blt/public/
- In areas where endangered species protections apply, applicators must implement conservation practices using EPA’s mitigation point system. Each treated field must achieve a minimum number of mitigation points, typically three points, and up to six points in designated Pesticide Use Limitation Areas. Points are earned through practices such as cover crops, vegetative buffers, reduced tillage, grassed waterways, or other runoff and erosion control measures specified by EPA. These practices must be in place at the time of application and documented.
Recordkeeping Requirements
The new federal labels place greater emphasis on detailed and enforceable recordkeeping. Applicators must maintain documentation that includes, but is not limited to:
- Date and time of application
- Product name and EPA registration number
- Application rate and treated acreage
- Air temperature at the field and forecasted high temperature
- Wind speed and wind direction
- Verification of volatility reduction agent and drift reduction agent use
- Documentation of conservation practices and mitigation points
- Bulletins Live! Two bulletin, if applicable
- Proof of current dicamba-specific training
Additional Illinois Restrictions
In Illinois, applicators must comply with all federal label requirements as well as additional state restrictions under Section 250.230 of Part 250 of the Illinois Pesticide Act:
- Over-the-top dicamba applications on soybeans are prohibited if the air temperature at the field exceeds 85°F or if the National Weather Service forecasted high temperature for the nearest available location exceeds 85°F on the day of application. https://www.weather.gov
- Applications may not be made after June 20 of each year.
- Prior to application, applicators must consult the FieldWatch Sensitive Crop Registry and comply with all related recordkeeping and label requirements. https://www.fieldwatch.com
- Dicamba applications are prohibited if the wind is blowing toward an adjacent Illinois Nature Preserves Commission site or toward an adjacent residential area. Information on Nature Preserve and Land and Water Reserve sites is available through the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission directory.
Click here to read the official IDA Dicamba Restrictions.
Violations of these Illinois-specific requirements are considered use contrary to label directions and are subject to state enforcement and penalties.