Rescind dicamba ban

I am a proud Arkansas farmer in Marion. From early mornings to late nights, I work hard to provide for my family. Farming is my life and my livelihood.

Many farmers, including myself, need an option to control weed pressure, which is the biggest hurdle we face each season. As I researched and planned for this year’s growing season, I decided to purchase many dicamba-resistant seeds for my soybeans because I knew dicamba herbicide was a legally available product in Arkansas to help me battle pigweed. As of July 11, a 120-day statewide dicamba herbicide ban went into effect and I, along with other farmers, were not only at a disadvantage for the end of our spraying season, but potentially next season as well.

The need for new technologies continues to be important to farmers as weeds become resistant. With anything new, there is always a learning curve, but instead of turning our backs on new technologies, we need to work together to find a solution that would protect all of Arkansas’ farmers. To date, we are the only state in the nation to implement a dicamba herbicide ban on current dicamba technology for an extended period of time.

Please do not deprive me and the hundreds of other Arkansas farmers that need dicamba applications to provide for our families and our communities. I urge you to consider contacting your local state representatives to ensure this dicamba herbicide ban does not become permanent. FRANKLIN FOGELMAN

Marion