The United States Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and the MDA's Minnesota Agricultural Statistic Service (MASS) collect pesticide use information through interviews with farmers and pesticide applicators. Approximately 100 to 500 interviews are made in the state during each survey to calculate statewide averages on corn pesticide use.
Collection of NASS data on acetochlor use in Minnesota started in 1994, the year acetochlor was introduced as a new product. Due to budget constraints or other program considerations, data for pesticide use on corn was not collected on a yearly basis beyond 2003.
Between 1994 and 2016, NASS data show the percentage of Minnesota corn areas receiving acetochlor has fluctuated between 13% and 56% (Figure 2). During the same time period, acetochlor application rates have fluctuated between 0.99 and 1.98 pounds per acre (Figure 3), and the total amount of acetochlor applied in the state has ranged between 1.8 million and 5.7 million pounds (Figure 4).
Figure 2: Percent of Minnesota corn acres treated with acetochlor, 1994 - 2016
Figure 3: Average statewide Minnesota acetochlor application rates on corn, 1994 - 2016
Figure 4: Total amount (in pounds) of acetochlor applied to Minnesota corn, 1994-2016
