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Bayer pleased with existing stocks order, but wants to ensure farmers have options

The director of stewardship for Bayer says proper use of dicamba is critical to the preservation of the weed control technology.

Rob Nixon tells Brownfield the company and growers are working to do things right. “We’re all trying to do the right thing, and we’re fighting for technology,” he says. “Growers need choices. Whether they choose to use XtendiMax or not, it’s really important that not only with XtendiMax, but every product, we’re following the labels and good stewards of the technology.”

The Environmental Protection Agency issued an existing stocks order in mid-February that will allow applications of dicamba this growing season. He says applicator training is critical to the proper use of the herbicide and will resume soon. “There’s several different ways they can take training,” he says. “They can take it to computer-based training. There are webinars where we’ll have live training. Then we’ll also schedule in-person training for groups of growers that want to get together or where their retailer is supporting training in the area.”

Nixon says Bayer is pleased that dicamba will be available for use this growing season, but it’s important for growers to have options after this year. “We fully stand behind XtendiMax and the technology going forward,” he says. “We know that growers need choice and options and tools. We need more choices, not less. And so, we’re going to be working on solutions for 2025 and beyond.”

The existing stocks order allows dicamba products to be used this year that were sold by the manufacturer prior to the February 6, 2024 ruling that vacated dicamba’s EPA registration.

Nixon says growers will need to communicate with retailers to ensure product is available.

AUDIO: Rob Nixon, Bayer