New mapping program available for farmers
A new program will allow growers to map crops by herbicide-resistant traits.
CropCheck allows the farming community to be aware of specific herbicide-resistant traits in neighboring fields and then adjust their spray program to minimize the effect of herbicide drift to small grain crops. Labels for new herbicide products containing dicamba require growers to monitor nearby susceptible crops through a state-sponsored program like CropCheck.
CropCheck joins existing online mapping program DriftWatch and BeeCheck. DriftWatch allows producers of high-value specialty crops to map their sites and provide contact information about their operation, while BeeCheck allows beekeepers to map their hives online using pins and half-acre circles.
The programs were developed by FieldWatch Inc. To date, 21 states and a Canadian province use FieldWatch, with CropCheck offered in three states for 2019. A grant from the N.C. Pesticide Environmental Trust Fund paid to purchase the program as part of the department’s ongoing efforts to protect and increase valuable pollinators in the state.
All three programs are available at www.ncagr.gov/pollinators, along with detailed instructions for use.