Mike Pearson tells listeners about a proposed change in the amount of atrazine that can be applied in fields.

The Biden administration has proposed a new rule that would increase the application rate of atrazine used for crops including corn and sorghum.

Atrazine has been a cornerstone of weed management for many years. It is considered very valuable for farmers dealing with weed resistance issues.

The proposal would allows farmers to use higher rates which would reverse the rule made during Trump's first term. The Atrazine applicate rate was decreased due to concerns raised by environmental groups over aquatic ecosystems, particularly small streams and rivers.

However, much more data has been collected and the U.S. EPA says an update needs made for Atrazine.

Many feel the update is necessary for weed control due to weed resistance growing across the country. Atrazine is one of the most studied weed controls chemicals.

However, some environmental groups and others say allowing increased atrazine application rates puts water supplies at risk and causes concern for the environment.

Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Mike Pearson, farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness.

Related:Farm Progress America, Jan. 16, 2025