EPA’s new dicamba label: What it means for Iowa’s soybean farmers

February 19, 2026 | Brock Johnston

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new federal dicamba label for the over-the-top (OTT) use in soybeans and cotton is forthcoming for the 2026-2027 growing season. Dicamba is an essential component of Integrated Pest Management systems, and the decision comes at a critical time as farmers plan for the upcoming growing season.

EPA has the final label language to be released over the coming weeks. Iowa soybean farmers who use dicamba should be prepared to review new label information to plan accordingly.

Based on EPA’s proposal, OTT dicamba use in soybeans would return under similar, but arguably more conservative rules than in past years.

“ISA and the American Soybean Association previously urged EPA to ensure the new label is science-based and workable,” says Megan Decker, ISA advocacy manager. “This includes flexibility on temperature limits, support for multiple modes of action like tank mixes and practical requirements for reducing spray drift and runoff.”

The labels will include Endangered Species Act mitigations to address movement due to both drift and run-off/erosion. Some fields will need to implement three to six runoff/erosion mitigation points and up to 240 ft drift buffers. Additionally, growers and applicators will be responsible for checking EPA’s Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) for location-specific use limitations.

There will also be new limits on application timing and rates, as required by volatility reduction agents, aerial applications and requirements related to temperature. Full consultation with the new product-specific labels and BLT will be needed to ensure compliance.

Learn more about location-specific use limitations here. Users will need to plug in 7969-507 (Engenia Herbicide) and set the ‘Location’ as the state of Iowa to access the map. Colored areas of the map will require six mitigation points.

Written by Brock Johnston.

---

Back