Bloomington, Ill. – February 4, 2026 – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that a new federal dicamba label for over-the-top (OTT) use in soybeans and cotton is forthcoming. EPA has the final label language to be released over the coming week. Illinois 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. 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 240ft 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.
What this Means for Illinois Farmers
Additional Illinois State Specific Dicamba Restrictions will remain in effect. Illinois farmers can review those additional label restrictions at the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) Dicamba website.
Illinois farmers who plan to use dicamba should expect to closely review label details as they become available, plan for ESA label compliance, and review Illinois-specific rules and guidance.
Growers are encouraged to review official materials for the most accurate and current information:
- EPA Dicamba Overview: EPA Implements Strongest Protections in Agency History for Over-the-Top Dicamba Use on Cotton and Soybeans for Next Two Growing Seasons | US EPA
- IDOA Dicamba Website: Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) | Dicamba
- Bulletins Live! Two (BLT): Bulletins Live! Two — View the Bulletins | US EPA
- Product-specific labels when released, likely later this week.
Farmers with questions are encouraged to contact ISA Environmental Policy Manager Corey Lacey at corey.lacey@ilsoy.org.
