This week the Arkansas State Plant Board voted 8-7 to keep current dicamba restrictions in place, despite an attempt to move the spray cutoff from May 25 to June 15. Before the vote, Audubon Arkansas presented our community science data showing the further into summer this volatile herbicide is sprayed, the more likely it is to do damage to sensitive crops and bird habitat. Though we continue to advocate for a ban on use during the growing season, we appreciate the Plant Board’s consideration of all sectors of agriculture and the environment by maintaining some of the tightest restrictions in the country.

Despite the fact that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit vacated – or ended – the EPA's approval of the use of dicamba products in June, the EPA promptly re-registered dicamba in October. Though they imposed yet more restrictions in an attempt to further reduce the damage done by volatility, this rushed decision is going to be challenged in the courts. Will a decision be reached before next year’s growing season? We’ll keep you posted.