Farmers rely on experts for all kinds of needs on their operation, and weed control is no exception, especially when it comes to applying dicamba products like Bayer’s XtendiMax® herbicide with VaporGrip® Technology. To help connect farmers with custom applicators, Bayer’s Crop Science division has created a new online “Find an Applicator” tool that is accessible through the Roundup Ready® Xtend Crop System website.
Jim French, U.S. Crop Protection Marketing Execution Lead for Bayer, says the new tool is like a white pages listing for trained custom applicators.
“We’ve gotten feedback from farmers who want to treat their soybeans with dicamba but need help finding someone who will make the application,” French says.
Users are asked to simply enter their zip code and the Find an Applicator tool will offer important information for service providers in their area, including their name, phone number, email address and website.
“Timely applications of XtendiMax with VaporGrip Technology are critical for getting optimal weed control with the Roundup Ready Xtend Crop System,” French says.
In the fall of 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) extended the label registration for Bayer’s XtendiMax with VaporGrip Technology through the 2020 growing season. Per those new label requirements, applicators must be certified to apply it as dicamba is considered a restricted use pesticide (RUP). Farmers should verify that any applicator they use has a license to apply RUPs, has completed the mandatory dicamba training and is in compliance with all other requirements.
As for the timing of applications, XtendiMax with VaporGrip Technology can be sprayed up to 45 days after planting Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® soybeans or prior to the R1 growth stage. For cotton, the product can be used up to 60 days after planting seed with XtendFlex® Technology or until the mid-bloom stage, whichever comes first. Some states have additional time restrictions in place. Farmers and applicators should visit the CDMS database at www.cdms.net/Label.Database to view restrictions specific to their locations.
As Bayer works to grow the listings on their Find an Applicator page, they’re encouraging applicators to register to be included in the online resource.
“For custom applicators, this is a way to promote and increase their spraying business, and access to custom application is important for farmers who don’t apply the herbicide themselves, ” French says.
Applicators can register by visiting RoundupReadyXtend.com/applicators, where they can fill out the form provided.
The Find an Applicator tool is just one of many ways Bayer provides tailored services to their customers.
Local product information is offered at the RoundupReadyXtend.com website through the Soybean Profitability Calculator. Additionally, users planning to attend dicamba training events in early 2019 can access online calendars, filtered by location or state, to find and register for Bayer-sponsored events. Farmers can also download the RRXtend Spray App for weather forecasts, digital record keeping and additional resources.
“We are committed to making product information and resources very simple for our customers to find and use,” French says.
