On November 9, 2016, the USEPA approved the use of XtendiMax with VaporGrip Technology starting in 2017 on Roundup Ready 2 Xtend Soybeans. This is a new formulation of dicamba herbicide that promises to have low volatility. A new tool to combat the tough to control weeds, such as tall waterhemp and palmer amaranth. Its herbicide site of action is Synthetic Auxins, Group 4.

READ THE LABEL!!! This product has a very restrictive label with wide set-back areas; wind speed restrictions; low weed height restrictions; maximum and minimum use rates; and the specific nozzle to be used.

Recently I have been noticing a growing number of local corn fields are showing "top dieback" or the death of the top leaf (or leaves) of the corn plant. This can happen due to several causes. The cause that is worrying me and that I am noticing is a few scattered fields caused by Anthracnose.

If the corn field is showing leaf death at both the top and bottom, this can be the typical dry down (leaf senescence) pattern of some corn varieties or caused by an environmental stress that is shortening the plant's growing season.

Today, I learned about the recent Supreme Court decision to uphold the USEPA plan to reduce nonpoint source pollution in the Chesapeake Bay. Over the past year, I have heard numerous speakers tell me that Illinois agriculture needs to follow the voluntary Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) otherwise we will have regulations like the Chesapeake Bay. Also, I have heard numerous farmers comment that they will not adopt these practices till they "have to". Well, we might want to rethink that approach.