Heinrich Farm Measure Approved in Committee

Jul 15, 2024

By Rob Hochschild

An agriculture bill brought forward by U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich has received unanimous approval in committee. If it gets to the finish line, it will provide more than 15 million dollars for 18 New Mexico projects.

According to a statement released yesterday, the bill will support rural communities, provide funding for the Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC program, and invest in agricultural research.

Speaking before the Senate Appropriations committee yesterday, Senator Heinrich highlighted the benefits of the proposed measure.

“The bill before us supports American farmers and ranchers, protects our food supply, increases market transparency, and promotes the health and well-being of the youngest and most vulnerable by reducing poverty and food insecurity.

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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.