Herbicide Cost Per Acre for Soybeans — 2026 Benchmarks

Total herbicide costs for soybeans average $60–$100 per acre in 2026. Dicamba (Xtend) and Enlist systems run $70–$110/acre; conventional programs average $40–$65/acre.

Current Price Range

ProgramCostvs. 2025
Xtend dicamba full program$70–$110/acre+12%
Enlist 2,4-D full program$65–$100/acre+10%
Conventional residual + glyphosate$40–$65/acre+5%
Residual pre-emergent only$18–$28/acre+8%
HOLD SIGNAL

Evaluate whether trait system herbicide costs are justified by weed control in your specific field history before defaulting to premium programs.

What Is Driving the Price

Dicamba and 2,4-D costs

On-trait herbicides (XtendiMax, Engenia, Enlist One) carry significant per-acre costs.

Residual pre-emergent

Metribuzin, chlorimuron, and sulfentrazone provide residual control before emergence.

Pass count

Two-pass systems are standard; resistant weed pressure may require three passes.

Adjuvant costs

Required adjuvants for dicamba and 2,4-D add $2–$5/acre to program costs.

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