South Dakota Department of Ag reminds producers of mandatory dicamba trainings

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture recently approved Engenia, Xtendimax with Vapor Grip technology and Fexapan herbicides for use in South Dakota for the 2018 growing season. Per the label, all persons, private or commercial, applying these products must also complete dicamba-specific training and pass an examination. Documentation of completion of the training and examination will be required to apply these products.

Trainings will be offered by each of the registering companies. Trainings dates and links for registration can be found on SDDA’s website at sdda.sd.gov, located under the “Happening Now” section. There is no cost to attend the trainings.

“I encourage all applicators to attend one of these trainings, whether or not you are considering using one of these products in 2018,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Jaspers. “Use of these products will require planning ahead. Now is the time to start. These trainings will provide valuable information on label restrictions and best practices for use of these products. In addition to trainings, producers should take time to start conversations with their agronomist, seed dealer and neighbors.”

Applicators may attend any of the dicamba-specific trainings to meet the requirement to use any of the three registered products. If an applicator attends training in a bordering state, the department will require proof of attendance to apply the products in South Dakota. Once proof of training has been received, each applicator will receive a new certification card in the mail.

Agriculture is a major contributor to South Dakota’s economy, generating $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 115,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s mission is to promote, protect and preserve South Dakota agriculture for today and tomorrow. Visit the SDDA online at http://sdda.sd.gov or find us on Facebook and Twitter.