It is remarkable to see how most Georgia farmers have evolved into the ultimate stewards in pesticide use. By ensuring the products they apply go on target and remain there, our farmers are better protecting workers, consumers, pollinators, endangered species, and the environment.
Science consistently documents that having access to safe and effective pesticides helps farmers reduce input costs required to control pests leading to improved yields and quality, ultimately increasing the likelihood that our country can maintain a safe, affordable, and sustainable food, feed, and fiber supply needed for national security. In fact, these tools help each of our family farms feed over 169 people annually.
The 2026 decision by the U.S. EPA to once again register in-crop dicamba products (Engenia, Stryax, and Tavium) was powerful, providing access to a critical and scientifically proven tool for controlling many problematic weeds including Palmer amaranth. Although these herbicide products have faced much national scrutiny in the past, the Georgia farmer has used these tools to improve weed control with minimal issues.
In fact, pesticide drift complaints made to the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service have dropped over 90% in the last decade (Fig. 1), while implementing both dicamba- and 2,4-D-based weed management programs.
Although the release of new label registrations for Engenia, Stryax, and Tavium is exciting, applicators of these products must understand this is likely a final opportunity to keep these specific tools on the market for pest management; stewarding their use must be a priority. Unfortunately, the new labels are extremely complex and include an overwhelming number of restrictions applicators must follow when applying them.
One of the more important requirements is that all applicators of these herbicides must be trained before their use. For Georgia, applicators must attend the state’s flagship pesticide stewardship training, Using Pesticides Wisely (UPW), developed by the University of Georgia and Georgia Department of Agriculture.
This year’s UPW training has been well attended, with a program focusing on pesticide safety, understanding the new in-crop dicamba label requirements, documentation requirements, and overcoming implementation challenges resulting from the Endangered Species Act. Much of the program has centered around providing steps to improve on-target in-crop dicamba applications in 2026; a summary of these steps is provided but keep in mind that all applicators must adhere to all label restrictions and attend UPW before applying these herbicides.