In October 2017 the EPA made revisions to the labeling of the new formulations of dicamba products that are marketed as Engenia (BASF), Xtendimax (Monsanto), and FeXapan (DuPont). These new herbicides were developed for use with dicamba-tolerant soybeans (Roundup Ready2 Xtend soybean varieties). These products, which were first available for applications during the 2017 growing season, are now classified by the EPA as “RESTRICTED USE” pesticides, meaning that either a commercial or private pesticide certification license must be held by individuals who purchase and apply these products.

With this classification change, came changes to the label requirements. One of these requirements included attending a dicamba-specific training prior to the use of these products. In addition to the training, application records were also revised for these products to include information on sensitive crops and areas, buffers, sprayer clean-out, weather condition at beginning and end of application, tank mixes, and sprayer nozzles.

For the producer to meet the new dicamba training requirement the applicators had to attend a training in the state of application. In our area many producers farm in both Kentucky and Tennessee. I worked with agents in the Purchase Area and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in scheduling and/or attending and assisting with 5 trainings of Kentucky Dicamba trainings and 6 Tennessee Dicamba trainings. After the completion of the KY trainings, 375 producers and retailer received their certifications. During the TN trainings, I spoke on Kentucky requirements for both new formulations of Dicamba and Private Applicator Licenses. The producers that held a current Tennessee Private Applicator License were able to transfer their certification to Kentucky without an issue. In this process, I was able to transfer 38 TN Private Applicators into the Kentucky PAT system and update them on the recordkeeping requirements. In addition, I spoke to approximately 400 retailers and producers on the requirements to attend a Kentucky Dicamba Training if they were making applications of these products in Kentucky. In talking with the University of Tennessee Specialist and Extension Agent along with the retailers and producers, they were very appreciative of the information regarding trainings and trying to make a seamless transfer of Private Applicator Licenses. I was also able to gain the knowledge for the TN requirements and give that information to the Kentucky producers. This was a great opportunity to gain networking contacts, explain my newsletter database, and potential for more multi-state programming events.