Alfa Insurance is working to answer questions related to farm owner coverage raised at mandatory herbicide training.

Farmers and applicators planning to use auxin herbicides on Dicamba or 2,4-D tolerant crops were required to attend mandatory training this spring. The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries instated the requirement in January.

The four-hour training through the Alabama Cooperative Extension System covered technical application methods, tank cleanout, new chemistries and ways to reduce herbicide drift. Commercial applicators received pesticide recertification, and certified crop advisors received credits.

Danny Carter, Alfa’s Property and Casualty Underwriting manager, said the training raised questions about liability coverage.

“Several of our farm customers have had questions concerning farm policy and umbrella policy coverage for chemical drift/overspray after recent chemical application training around the state for 2,4-D and Dicamba,” Carter said. “As a reminder, our farm policy offers a $25,000 chemical overspray/drift limit for crops and animals. Farm umbrella policies do not cover chemical overspray/drift.”

Carter said farmers interested in additional coverage should ask their local agent about policies through Alfa Agency.

Farmers and applicators who have not yet completed the mandatory training should contact their county Extension office or visit aces.edu.