Courtesy of Plains Cotton Growers On February 6, a federal court in Arizona vacated the 2020 registrations for three dicamba products previously approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for over-the-top applications. According to the National Cotton Council, “The impacts of this ruling will be felt across the Cotton Belt as dicamba-tolerant varieties account for more than 75% of U.S. cotton acres.”
A prohibition of the use of dicamba products for the 2024 crop would add to the ever-growing list of challenges producers are facing of late. Producers on the Texas High Plains begin their planting season in May — they have already made their cropping decisions and have begun purchasing seed and other inputs for the season.
“The timing of this ruling will also not allow for the production of seed with alternative herbicide technology in time for 2024 planting,” the National Cotton Council said in a statement released on February 7. “Without widely available alternatives, losing the foundational herbicides in the dicambatolerant weed control system will put millions of acres in jeopardy of reduced production.”
With the persistent drought of 2022 and 2023, Texas High Plains cotton production doesn’t need another obstacle hindering production in the 2024 season.
“It’s unfortunate, after combatting an uncooperative Mother Nature and a volatile market, that we have this ruling staring us in the face to start 2024,” said PCG President Martin Stoerner. “And while things are uncertain at the moment, the impact of this ruling could have dire consequences to our industry.”
PCG CEO Kody Bessent added that PCG stands with NCC in urging EPA to immediately appeal the ruling.
“Our producers should have all crop protection tools available to them when producing our fiber,” he added. “Our local, state and national economies depend on it.”
On February 8, PCG submitted a letter in coordination with NCC to EPA requested they draft and grant an existing stocks order to provide producers the opportunity to access and apply the over-thetop dicamba products currently existing in the retail supply chain — especially since the 2024 season is already underway.