The SD Corn Growers Association on the Farm Bill Extension and Economic Assistance for Producers

Dec 19, 2024

The South Dakota Corn Growers Association greatly appreciates the inclusion of a farm bill extension as well as around $10 billion in 2024 economic assistance for producers with the short-term continuing resolution to fund the federal government. Input prices have generally been increasing, including relatively recent spikes in fertilizer costs. We also note that targeting these dollars to those that bear risk, is strongly supported by our members.

Finally, we thank our Congressional delegation and U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) for the inclusion of a fix to allow the sale nationwide, year-round of E15. This is great for consumers’ pocketbooks and a win for the environment, as E15 burns cleaner than other fuel options. South Dakota farmers have great ability to help provide food, feed and fuel here in our country. If anything has become apparent from “black swan” events such as Covid and Ukraine, it is that if we can produce energy and food here in the U.S., we should do so. We support the funding bill package and urge Congress to quickly pass this important legislation.

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Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.