Dairy Conference Webinar to Address New Herbicide Regulations

The Four-State Dairy Nutrition & Management Conference will host a webinar on February 3, 2024, from noon to 1:30 p.m. The session will feature Wess Everman, an assistant professor and Extension weed scientist specialist at Iowa State University. He will discuss the implications of the new herbicide strategy recently introduced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The EPA’s Final Herbicide Strategy is designed to protect over 900 endangered species and will significantly change pesticide application regulations for dairy farms. With stricter and more complex rules now in place, dairy producers and applicators will need to adapt their practices accordingly. This new approach will force a transition towards more restrictive weed control measures, impacting daily operations.

In 2024, the EPA announced the Herbicide Strategy to ensure that all herbicides comply with the directives of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). As new herbicides receive labeling or current products undergo review, adjustments will be implemented to incorporate practices aimed at mitigating erosion, runoff, and drift.

During the upcoming webinar, participants will gain insights into the framework of these changes and their consequences for farmers. The event is open to producers, dairy consultants, and industry representatives, who are encouraged to register online at least one hour prior to the event. Registration can be completed at https://go.iastate.edu/IOILSZ.

This informative session promises to equip attendees with essential knowledge about the evolving regulatory landscape and its potential effects on dairy operations.