New video series helps farmers follow ESA herbicide label requirements safely
New Endangered Species Act (ESA) label requirements for herbicides continue to expand as products move through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration and re-registration process. These changes aim to protect endangered species while allowing farmers and weed-control professionals to maintain effective field management practices.
To support producers during this transition, the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) has worked with partner organizations to develop educational tools and resources. One major effort is a new four-part video series designed to explain the updated requirements in a simple and practical way.
The series features Stanley Culpepper, a University of Georgia Extension weed scientist and a past president of WSSA, who provides clear guidance on how farmers can remain compliant with ESA rules. The videos were created by CropLife America in partnership with the Agricultural Retailers Association and the Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology.
“These videos provide excellent, step-by-step guidelines to understand what you need to do to follow the new ESA label requirements and to optimize protections for endangered species,” said Bill Chism, Ph.D., a retired EPA official and WSSA’s current Endangered Species Act committee chair. “In total, they are a great resource to learn about the new requirements and how to implement mitigation efforts to comply with them.”
According to WSSA representatives, the videos offer step-by-step guidance to help users understand new label requirements and adopt mitigation strategies that reduce environmental risks. The four video topics include Mitigation Overview, Bulletins Live Two, Runoff, and Spray Drift. These areas focus on how producers can check field conditions and follow required practices before herbicide applications.
One key update involves checking the EPA Bulletins Live Two system to determine whether a field falls within a Pesticide Use Limitation Area, also called a PULA. If a field is located within one of these areas, farmers may need to follow additional mitigation steps.
The videos also explain new requirements designed to reduce spray drift and manage runoff or erosion. Suggested mitigation options include vegetative filter strips, cover cropping, and no-till practices. These strategies help limit movement of herbicides while supporting soil and environmental health.
WSSA’s ESA Committee, formed in 2022, continues to provide research data to help regulators create practical, science-based solutions. Additional educational resources and updates on affected herbicides are available through WSSA and partner industry websites.
Overall, the new guidance helps farmers stay informed, meet regulatory expectations, and protect both crops and natural ecosystems through responsible herbicide use.
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