AGRONOMY
New Dicamba Product Regulations
Last year (crop year 2017) was the first
year we could use Xtendimax and Engenia
(dicamba) for weed control in dicamba-tol-
erant soybeans. While press coverage was
typically discussing problems that arose
from the use of these products, there was
very little coverage about the importance
Scott Nelson
Agronomy Manager of this product.
(952) 466-3733
An estimated 10,000+ Minnesotans will
[email protected] use the new soybean dicamba products
this year. If you are planning on applying
this product there are some new Minnesota regulations that you
need to be aware of.
1. The classification of these products has been changed to a
Restricted Use Product (RUP). With the change to a RUP, all appli-
cators of these products must also be a certified Private pesticide
applicator or a licensed Commercial or Noncommercial pesticide
applicator.
2. You must attend a special 2-hour train-
ing session to comply with the federal label
requirements. These trainings are offered free
of charge. Visit the MCPR’s website for up-
dated training time/place. www.mcpr-cca.
org/dicamba-information-trainings.
3. A cutoff date has been added. There can
be no application of these products after
June 20.
4. Cutoff temperatures have been added: Do not apply if the
air temperature in 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 ex-
ceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Application speed cannot exceed 15 mph.
6. Wind speeds have to be between 3-10 mph.
These are just a few of the changes. Fully read the product label
before use. There are still a number of other items that must be
followed to legally spray these produts.
This is the best technology that has become available for con-
trolling weeds in soybeans in many years. It is up to all of us to use
these products responsibly and to follow the label to ensure we
can use this product for a long time to come.
There are many places to find information. Some of the websites
that may be useful are:
Licensing: www.mda.state.mn.us/licensing/licensetypes/
pesticideapplicator.aspx
Weather forecast: www.weather.gov/phi/localclimate
XtendiMax: www.xtendimaxapplicationrequirements.com/
Pages/nozzles.aspx
Product Label: www.cdms.net
Always feel free to call our office at (952) 466-3730 with ques-
tions.
Download the RRXtend Spray mobile app!
Proposed MDA Nitrogen Fertilizer Rule Update
The draft Nitrogen Fertilizer Rule is based on the Minne-
sota Nitrogen Fertilizer Management Plan (NFMP). The NFMP
outlines the state strategy for preventing contamination and
responding to elevated nitrate from fertilizer in groundwa-
ter. The Rule sets out the procedures by which the Minnesota
Department of Agriculture may regulate the use of nitrogen
fertilizer in vulnerable groundwater areas to prevent contami-
nation from occurring and to respond to areas that have high
nitrate concentrations.
The following article is republished with permission
from Minnesota Crop Production Retailers (MCPR).
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture collected public
comments on the Draft Nitrogen Fertilizer Rule throughout
the fall of 2017. While many expected the proposed final rule
to be released by the end of January 2018, MCPR Executive Di-
rector Bill Bond learned in a meeting with MDA staff that the
rule may not be released until April and may be as late as June
2018. At that point, there will be another 30-day comment
period. It’s going to be very important for MCPR members to
Page 4
watch for that rule. The MCPR, along with fellow ag organiza-
tions will help get the word out.
Once they publish the final rule, the clock starts ticking on
the administrative law judge process which involves testimo-
ny at hearings, etc. – all on the record. Once the adminstrative
law judge makes the final determination on the rule, if there
are no law suits (which there may be), this process could take
several months. With law suits, maybe 2-3 years. Because ag
groups will contest the rule, the earliest the rule will go into
effect on growers may be late this fall, or more likely next win-
ter/spring. But, don’t forget, elections this fall will bring a new
governor and new legislature, which may change everything.
It may be months before we get an idea of when the rule will
be effective.
www.midcountycoop.com