Dicamba Clarification from Illinois Department of Ag Going Into 2024 Growing Season
After more than a few weeks of uncertainty, IFCA members learned they will be allowed to use over-the-top (OTT) dicamba formulations on soybeans in 2024. EPA issued an existing stocks order that allows for the use of the herbicide already distributed from the product registrants following application cutoff dates on the products’ previously approved labels.
IFCA has received calls and emails questioning what the dicamba labels will state from the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA). IFCA was informed on Thursday that IDOA will use the same dicamba label requirements as they did in 2023. Just as a reminder, the restrictions are listed below.
The JUNE 12th or V4 growth stage in soybeans (whichever comes first) cutoff date remains a part of the federal label and is enforced in Illinois.
• A pesticide containing dicamba shall not be applied on soybeans if the air temperature at the field at the time of application is over 85 degrees Fahrenheit or if the National Weather Service's forecasted high temperature for the nearest available location for the day of application exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Local National Weather Service forecasts are available at https://www.weather.gov.
• Before applying a pesticide containing dicamba on soybeans, the applicator shall consult the FieldWatch sensitive crop registry (https://www.fieldwatch.com ) and comply with all associated recordkeeping and label requirements.
• Application on soybeans of a pesticide containing dicamba shall not be made if the wind is blowing toward: any Illinois Nature Preserves Commission site that is adjacent to the field of application; or an adjacent residential area.
IFCA hopes this clears up any confusion regarding the Illinois dicamba labels. If you have any questions regarding dicamba use going into the 2024 season, please reach out to KJ Johnson at the IFCA office at 309-827-2774.