Bayer Prepared to Provide Dicamba Training in Indiana

Bayer Prepared to Provide Dicamba Training in Indiana

As we reported at the beginning of November, the EPA has extended the registration of dicamba for another two years. Ryan Rubischko, Bayer’s dicamba portfolio lead says that the EPA has since released the label and they are working with them to have it readily available on their website.

“Some of the key questions that farmers may still have is what about state approvals now that we have the federal approval. Where can I find training that takes place regardless if it’s the registrant or the state that’s conducting those trainings. Our best place for farmers to go is our roundupreadyxtend.com website. We have a training tab. We have a state approvals tab and a number of other details and information on how they can earn additional incentives through Roundup Ready Plus.”

Training is still a requirement and that will look different in Indiana going forward. Purdue Extension took on the task of training for this past year, but they have announced that they cannot put forth the same dollars and resources to do it again this year. So, it will be up to the industry to provide that training.

Rubischko said, “There are number of states where they had registrants like Bayer Crop Science conduct those trainings. Oftentimes we’re working directly with state officials to ensure that we’re meeting some of the key topics that they think is of interest for their farmers within their states as well. We’re committed to continuing to do that. In the state of Indiana, specifically, we’re prepared as Bayer Crop Science to conduct those trainings.”

Dicamba registration decisions for 2019-2020 growing season

• 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)
• 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 and there will be a new 57-foot buffer around the other sides of the field (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
• 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