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Pay attention to surrounding crops when spraying

An extension educator says farmers should take caution when spraying near specialty crops.

Ron Goldy with Michigan State University tells Brownfield with more farmers expected to plant diacamba soybeans next year, applicators need to be aware of surrounding crops.  “If you have that soybean field right next to a tomato field, lots of times it’s the producer that does that—they have their soybeans right next to their tomatoes.  If they’re not careful, they can cause their own problems.”

He says when used properly under the right conditions, there shouldn’t be any drift problems. Goldy recommends farmers be proactive about discussing some of their management practices with their neighbors.  “Eggplant, peppers are going to be sensitive to it and I imagine there’s probably some others too that are sensitive to dicamba.  Tomatoes I like to say are the canary in the coalmine, they will get things first.”  Goldy says proper pesticide application includes using products to reduce drift and spaying under the right conditions.

An investigation continues in southeast Missouri where off-label use of dicamba has injured other farmers’ crops. A bill is expected to be introduced in the Missouri legislature to increase penalties for the illegal use of dicamba and related products.

Goldy spoke with Brownfield during this week’s Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo.

AUDIO: Interview with Ron Goldy