Producers in this area who grow crops affected by stink bugs now have an option for control. State agricultural departments in seven Mid-Atlantic States sought a Section 18 exemption for dinotefuran insecticide, judged to be most effective in controlling brown marmorated stink bugs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved that request.

It comes just as egg hatch begins to build populations. The emergency exemption allows dinotefuran, labeled for use to protect some 39 crops, to be used against BMSB. The two products containing dinotefuran are Venom, manufactured by Valent, and Scorpion 35SL, manufactured by Gowan. They can be used in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

Farmers and growers in those states have suffered significant losses because of the stink bug.

Adult stink bugs have been resistant to many insecticides. However, a working task force with the USDA, university researchers, growers associations and state pesticide regulatory officials identified the most effective products.

Some 40 different pesticides are under study, with dinotefuran being identified as effective. Pests, however, can build up a resistance to pesticides very quickly, and the task force hopes to identify more effective products soon.

The EPA exemption is authorized for one growing season and expires on Oct. 15, 2011.

Reporting crop acreages timely

A reminder is being provided to all producers that July 15 is the final day to report crop acres to the Farm Service Agency (FSA). FSA program participants are required to file acreage reports. Acreage reports not filed by the July 15 deadline will be assessed a late fee of $46 per farm. For those producers who maintain crop insurance, a summary acreage report will be provided to the producer that can in turn be provided to the crop insurance agent. The July 15 deadline is for the following crops: hay, soybeans, corn, fruits and vegetables and CREP acreage.

Sometimes future farm program eligibility is based upon previous years’ acreage reports. Planting history for a farm has numerous purposes that sometimes are not known until years later. It is always a good idea to file an acreage report. Producers can call the office if they choose to set up an appointment or just “walk in.” It only takes about 15 minutes per farm. For those unable to visit the office, aerial photos can be requested by mail, and then the acreage report can be completed by FSA and mailed back to the producer. This option is helpful to producers who work away from the farm or are too distant to make the trip to Butler.

Luke Fritz is executive director of the Butler County Farm Service Agency.