Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) recently submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supporting a request from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) for an emergency exemption to use the herbicide metamitron on sugar beets. This exemption is essential for combating Palmer amaranth, an aggressive weed that threatens the viability of Nebraska’s sugar beet industry.
“Nebraska Farm Bureau has been a strong advocate for ensuring farmers continue to have crop protection product options. Palmer amaranth has become increasingly resistant to standard herbicides and severely threatens sugar beet fields in Nebraska. Without metamitron, sugar beet farmers face substantial yield losses, which could impact the profitability of family farms and the economies of local communities that rely on agriculture,” said Mark McHargue, NEFB president.
The EPA recently approved select metamitron use, and farmers saw successful results. Because of this, NDA requested approval for a new metamitron-based herbicide to help sugar beet farmers control Palmer amaranth, an invasive weed that is rapidly spreading across the state. Palmer amaranth poses a significant economic threat, potentially reducing crop yields by over 20% and jeopardizing the profitability of sugar beet farming. NDA’s proposal includes safeguards to ensure responsible application, demonstrating a commitment to both effective weed control and environmental stewardship.
“We appreciate the efforts of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture in recognizing and addressing the needs of farmers within the state, as well as their advocacy on behalf of these farmers at the federal level. The challenge posed by Palmer amaranth continues to be a major concern, and this exemption would provide farmers with a crucial tool to protect their crops and support Nebraska’s rural economy,” said McHargue.
The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 55,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit www.nefb.org.