Colorado is not known for being a big state for growing soybeans. In fact, there are so few acres in the state that USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service doesn’t collect data in the state. But that doesn’t mean farmers aren’t raising soybeans. And for 2018, if they plan to raise a crop tolerant to dicamba to take care of some tough weeds, the state wants those growers to know about the latest rules.

John Spring, the area Extension agent for Colorado State University, issued a statement recently about the latest rules as a reminder to the state’s growers. In an email to Western Farmer-Stockman, Spring explained that anecdotally he knows there are a few producers considering use of dicamba-tolerant soybeans with the trait name Roundup Ready 2 Xtend.

In a statement issued recently, Spring pointed out that if Colorado growers plan on planting dicamba-tolerant soybeans for 2018, they need to be aware of new EPA rules governing the use of dicamba formulations registered to use the Xtend technology.

In the Midwest and Mid-South, there were widespread issues of off-target dicamba movement that damaged nearby crops in 2017. From these, new restrictions were imposed on the use of the registered products for this program — XtendiMax (Monsanto), Engenia (BASF) and FeXapan (DuPont). These formulations are now “restricted-use” products and can only be used by licensed applicators, or those under their direct supervision.

Also, licensed applicators will also have to complete additional dicamba-specific training before the use season. Spring noted, “It is illegal to apply these herbicides without first completing the training.”

Further, there are more recordkeeping requirements, and rules for application methods have also been added. Spring said those new requirements are far stricter than usual for herbicides.

“These new rules apply only to the dicamba formulations registered for use in dicamba-tolerant soybeans; other dicamba products used in other crops are not included in the new rules,” he said.

Dicamba-specific training must be taken prior to using any of these restricted-use dicamba products. For farmers who are going to plant Xtend soybeans, Spring recommended they contact their sales representative, product manufacturer or the Colorado Department of Agriculture for more information on training and relevant regulations. He also advised making those arrangements well in advance of the growing season to prevent any chance of complications later.

Source: Colorado State University Extension