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Atrazine limits are big concern

The EPA’s proposal to place strict limits on the use of the weed-killer atrazine was a big topic of conversation at this week’s Farm Progress Show.

The president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association says the EPA’s proposal represents a “de facto ban of atrazine”. Bob Hemesath says the lower limits proposed by EPA would basically make use of the herbicide ineffective.

“It’s proven safe. It’s proven to be a good product—not harmful,” Hemesath says. “It’s frustrating that the EPA is using one study in this regard to base their review on—(a study) that their own scientific review committee said was flawed science. So it’s frustrating in that regard.”

Iowa U.S. Senator Joni Ernst says she will continue to apply pressure on the EPA to withdraw the proposal.

“If they go too far, we can look at how to work around this legislatively,” Ernst says. “If that doesn’t work, then what we have to do, of course, with the three branches of government, is look at, basically, our judicial system. Which is what you see right now with Waters of the U.S. and the expanded definition.”

The National Corn Growers Association cites a 2012 study by the University of Chicago that says farming without atrazine could cost corn farmers up to 59 dollars per acre as a reason for supporting atrazine.

The deadline to comment on the EPA’s atrazine proposal is October 4th.