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ILLINOIS WEATHER

Sustainable farming starts with herbicide workshops

Sustainable farming starts with herbicide workshops


By Andi Anderson

In January 2025, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) will host a series of regional workshops to educate farmers about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Herbicide Strategy.

These workshops, held in collaboration with local partners like the University of Illinois Extension and county Farm Bureaus, aim to guide farmers on adapting to new pesticide policies and implementing effective mitigation practices.

The workshops will take place from January 20 to January 28 across five locations: Dekalb County Farm Bureau Office, Illinois Soybean Association Office, UIUC Crop Science Research Education Center, Madison County Farm Bureau Office, and Will County Farm Bureau Office.

Each session runs from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a complimentary lunch. Interested participants can register online or contact ISA for more information.

The EPA's finalized Herbicide Strategy, introduced in August 2024, brings significant changes to herbicide use nationwide. These changes stem from a 2011 lawsuit that led to a comprehensive review of U.S. pesticide policies.

Illinois farmers are now required to implement measures to reduce pesticide runoff and drift, such as adopting cover crops, no-till farming, and maintaining drift buffers of up to 320 feet.

To help farmers comply with these changes, the workshops will offer insights on earning “mitigation points” through sustainable practices like planting windbreaks, using larger droplet sizes, and adjusting boom heights. These points are essential for meeting EPA's new requirements while minimizing the impact on productive farmland.

ISA's initiative provides a vital platform for farmers to interact with policy experts, gain practical tools, and navigate the complexities of these regulatory changes. By attending, farmers can stay informed, adopt effective strategies, and ensure sustainable and compliant farming operations.

Visit ISA’s website or contact Gracie Sheets for registration details and further assistance.

Photo Credit: illinois-soybean-association

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Categories: Illinois, Education

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