By Jamie Martin
Farmers across the country are adjusting to updated Endangered Species Act (ESA) label requirements as herbicides continue moving through the Environmental Protection Agency’s approval process. These label changes are designed to improve protections for endangered species while supporting safe and effective weed management in agriculture.
To help producers understand the new rules, the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) and several agricultural organizations have developed a series of practical learning resources. A new four-part video series offers clear guidance on how growers and weed-control professionals can stay compliant with evolving ESA requirements.
The series features Stanley Culpepper, a University of Georgia Extension weed scientist and a current member of WSSA’s ESA committee. He explains how farmers can interpret label updates and apply mitigation practices correctly. The videos were produced 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.”
The educational videos focus on four main areas: Mitigation Overview, Bulletins Live Two, Runoff, and Spray Drift. These topics help producers understand how to evaluate field conditions and apply herbicides responsibly under the new guidelines.
A major change highlighted in the series is the need to check the EPA’s Bulletins Live Two system before applying certain herbicides. This tool helps determine whether a field lies within a Pesticide Use Limitation Area (PULA). If it does, additional mitigation steps may be required.
The videos also explain methods to reduce spray drift and limit runoff or erosion. Recommended practices include using vegetative filter strips, planting cover crops, and adopting no-till systems. These practices not only support compliance but also improve soil conservation and environmental stewardship.
WSSA’s ESA Committee, created in 2022, continues to support science-based solutions by providing research data to regulators. Farmers can also access additional resources and update herbicide information through WSSA and industry-supported websites.
As ESA requirements expand, these educational tools give producers practical guidance to meet regulations while maintaining efficient and responsible weed control programs.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fotokostic
Categories: National