On October 31, 2018, USEPA issued a decision to allow the continued use of dicamba on soybean for the years 2019 and 2020. Please go to the Labels, Forms and Other Resources section on this website to access the new labels for Engenia, Xtendimax and FeXapan. Click on FAQs above for answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
The general provisions of the new dicamba labels are:
- Two year registration (until December 20, 2020)
- Only certified applicators may apply dicamba over the top (those working under the supervision of a certified applicator may no longer make applications)
- For farmers (private applicators) if you have a relative, business partner or farm employee apply dicamba on your farm, they must have a current private applicator license issued by the State of Illinois.
- For ag retailers, licensed operators must now pass the field crop exam in addition to the general standards exam in order to be licensed as a certified commercial appliator to apply dicamba.
- To see the schedule of private and commercial applicator training and testing clinics, click here: https://web.extension.illinois.edu/psep/index.php
- Prohibit over-the-top application of dicamba on soybeans 45 days after planting and cotton 60 days after planting
- For cotton, limit the number of over-the-top applications from 4 to 2 (soybeans remain at 2 OTT applications)
- Applications will be allowed only from 1 hour after sunrise to 2 hours before sunset
- In counties where endangered species may exist, the downwind buffer will remain at 110 feet to protect sensitive areas, and there will be a new 57-foot buffer around all other sides of the field to protect sensitive areas (the 110-foot downwind buffer applies to all applications, not just in counties where endangered species may exist)
- Clarify training period for 2019 and beyond, ensuring consistency across all three products
- Dicamba-specific training will AGAIN be required for anyone applying dicamba in 2019. Training will be available on-line from the product registrants (Bayer, BASF and Corteva) and we will also offer a limited number of in-person classroom training opportunities throughout the state. THE ON-LINE TRAINING PROGRAMS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE; WE INTEND TO HAVE CLASSROOM SESSIONS AVAILABLE FOLLOWING PRIVATE APPLICATOR TRAINING/TESTING CLINICS. GO TO THE "REGISTER" SECTION ON THIS WEBSITE TO SEE THE AVAILABLE CLASSES AT THIS POINT AND TO REGISTER FOR THESE CLASSES. THERE IS NO CHARGE TO ATTEND THIS TRAINIING.
- Enhanced tank clean out instructions for the entire system
- Enhanced label to improve applicator awareness on the impact of low pH’s on the potential volatility of dicamba
- Label clean up and consistency to improve compliance and enforceability
The registration for all dicamba products will automatically expire on December 20, 2020, unless EPA further extends it. Learn more: https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/registration-dicamba-use-genetically-engineered-crops
If you have questions about this program, contact the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association at 309-827-2774.