Illinois Crop Update - 5/5/2023   Low Temperatures and Illinois Crops - 5/5/2023  

Food safety groups asked a federal judge in Arizona at the end of April to vacate the dicamba registrations of Bayer's XtendiMax herbicide, BASF's Engenia and Syngenta's Tavium, in an ongoing legal battle that could determine how or if the products can be used. The case is unlikely to affect the dicamba's availability for the upcoming growing season, because briefing schedules ...more

Please be aware that during spring planting season and fall harvest, Illinois State Police will be setting up portable scales. Most recently we received notification from our members that had received fines related to exceeding axle limits. All roads in Illinois have standardized weight limits based on the Federal Bridge Formula. The Federal bridge formula allows 20,000# per single axle, 34,000# per tandem axle, ...more

Click the heading above to read the Spring 2023 IFCA Newsletter.

IFCA is pleased to announce the return of the Illinois Custom Applicator of the Year for our Illinois ag retailers and their custom applicators.  Last year we had such a wonderful response from our ag retail members submitting nomination forms that we just had to continue the program to recognize even more outstanding Illinois Applicators.  The nomination forms were narrowed down to four ...more

IFCA understands the pressure our industry faces this spring when planters start rolling and weather conditions are not ideal. It is important that we remain focused on implementing good stewardship practices while preventing legislative proposals and additional regulations. The public is watching us very closely!   These recommendations for spraying should be practiced to accomplish effective spray applications in the field according to label ...more

This week, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sent out a Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Compliance Advisory regarding custom blending. This encompasses blending pesticides with other pesticides, pesticides with fertilizer, and pesticides with feed.   There are no new regulations, but it is meant to clarify the existing regulations for those who custom blend. The information is below:   Definition: A custom ...more

Click the heading above to read Dr. Nafziger and Dr. Preza-Fontes' latest Crop Central article, which covers crop emergence, temperature and emergence uniformity and whether these variables impact yield.

The next couple of weeks will be busy with ammonia application in Illinois.  Here are a few reminders to keep in mind when working with ammonia:   1.  Slow down!  Nurse tanks should not travel down the road at more than 25 mph.   2.  ALWAYS turn the nurse tank valves off at the tank source and disconnect hoses before pulling onto a public ...more

We have become aware USDOT (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) has been conducting random audits in Illinois on ammonia nurse tanks.  Some of the items they are focusing on include but are not limited to:   •     Proper securement of the nurse tank to the trailer/running gear •     Ammonia nurse tanks properly placarded and ...more