EPA Announces Time-Limited Dicamba Registration with New Federal Restrictions

EPA Announces Time-Limited Dicamba Registration with New Federal Restrictions

Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a two-year, time-limited federal registration for over-the-top (OTT) dicamba use on dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton for the 2026 and 2027 growing seasons. The decision maintains access to OTT dicamba while layering in what EPA describes as the most restrictive federal label conditions to date.

While much of EPA’s discussion centered on cotton production in the southern U.S., the federal label changes will directly impact South Dakota applicators, retailers, and soybean growers once state registration is finalized.

Key Federal Label Changes Relevant to South Dakota
Reduced maximum application rate
  • The maximum allowable dicamba application rate is cut in half.
  • A maximum of two over-the-top applications at 0.5 lb active ingredient per acre, for a total maximum application rate of 1.0 lb active ingredient per acre annually.
Increased volatility mitigation
  • 40 oz/acre of an approved Volatility Reduction Agent (VRA) is required with every application, doubling previous requirements.
  • Mandatory use of a Drift Reduction Agent (DRA) remains in place.
Temperature-based application limits
  • No applications are allowed if forecasted temperatures are 95°F or higher on the day of or the day after application.
  • When temperatures are forecasted between 85–95°F, applications are limited to 50% of untreated dicamba-tolerant acres in a county, with remaining acres delayed at least two days.
Conservation practice requirements
  • Applicators must meet EPA conservation practice point requirements on each treated field to address runoff and erosion concerns tied to endangered species protections.
  • Some areas may require additional mitigation points depending on location.
Existing restrictions remain
  • Dicamba remains a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP).
  • Annual dicamba-specific training is still required.
  • A 24-hour Restricted Entry Interval (REI) remains in place.
  • Aerial application is prohibited.
  • Strict requirements on wind speed, spray height, droplet size, buffers, recordkeeping, tank mixes, and application timing continue.
What Happens Next in South Dakota
SDABA has been in direct contact with the South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources (SD DANR) to stress the importance of timely state label approval so retailers and applicators can plan for the 2026 season with certainty.
SD DANR has already spoken with registrants and indicated:
  • The EPA registration packet is expected within the next few days.
  • Once received, SD DANR will immediately begin the state registration process for dicamba products.
  • State-specific labels must be approved before products can be legally sold or applied in South Dakota.
SDABA will continue working closely with SD DANR and monitoring the registration timeline. Members will be notified as soon as state labels are issued and additional guidance becomes available.

Why This Matters in South Dakota
Dicamba remains an important in-season weed management tool for many South Dakota soybean growers, particularly as resistance continues to limit post-emergence options. However, the narrower application window, reduced maximum application rate, and additional mitigation requirements will require careful planning by both retailers and applicators heading into the 2026 growing season.
Timely state label approval is critical to allow:
  • Retailers to finalize product availability and stewardship plans
  • Applicators to complete required training and prepare for compliance
  • Growers to make informed seed, herbicide, and weed-control decisions
SDABA will continue advocating for regulatory clarity, workable timelines, and science-based policy that preserves access to crop protection tools while recognizing the realities of farming and application in South Dakota.