Editor s Note: This story, first posted on May 4, is being updated as litigation in Arkansas has changed the legal status of dicamba herbicides in that state. DTN will continue to post updates as the situation evolves.
LITTLE ROCK – On May 24, 2021, the 16
th Division of the Pulaski County Circuit Court ruled that a temporary restraining order issued on May 21 delaying implementation of the 2021 amendments to the State Plant Board’s dicamba rule would be extended until June 10, 2021, at which time another hearing will be held. As a result of the temporary restraining order, the previous State Plant Board Rules on Pesticide Classification regarding dicamba remain in effect and include the following:
In-crop application of dicamba shall be prohibited after May 25.
A one-mile buffer in all directions must be maintained between the fields where dicamba is applied and research stations operated by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Brent Murphree A separate set of rules at this stage of a growing season creates a multitude of burdens for farmers and the industry at large, said George King, president of the Agricultural Council of Arkansas. An extended temporary restraining order creates problems for Arkansas farmers at critical time in crop management.
Suggested Event
Jun 15, 2021 to Jun 17, 2021
A temporary restraining order has essentially tied growers hands once again regarding use of dicamba in Arkansas at a critical time.
On May 24, Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chip Welch extended a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Arkansas State Plant Board s 2021 emergency rule. The emergency rule made June 30 the last day for dicamba use on registered Arkansas crops. The extension of the restraining order was made at the request of plaintiffs who objected to the extended use period in the emergency rule.
Extended use of the controversial herbicide dicamba was approved by the Arkansas Plant Board earlier this year, but has now been stopped, at least temporarily, according to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.
The 16th Division of the Pulaski County Circuit Court issued a temporary restraining order issued delaying implementation of the 2021 amendments to the State Plant Board’s dicamba rule extending use until June 10, at which time another hearing will be held. As a result of the temporary restraining order, the previous State Plant Board rules on pesticide classification regarding dicamba remain in effect and include the following.
In-crop application of dicamba shall be prohibited after May 25. A one-mile buffer in all directions must be maintained between the fields where dicamba is applied and research stations operated by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.