Chemical Managment IPM
Crop Production
Graham Cofield
Chemical Management
Integrated Pest Management
Chemical Applications are a big business in our area. Producers need cost effective solutions to issues in their crops, and the general public wants to know that we involved with agriculture are using these products correctly. Training and educating applicators about pesticides helps ensure that chemical applications will be safe, effective and not cause off target harm. Educating the public on the training applicators go through before being licensed eases their fears that products are being used unwisely.
Maximize profits for
commercial ag producer
Minimize environmental
impact of air, soil, or living
area
Reduction of drift related
complaints and damage
Reduction in rate of pesticide
resistance development
in pests, weeds, pathogens
Improve sustainability of crop
production systems
Reduction of crop injury due to
pesticide applications (rate,
compatibility, application conditions)
Use diagnostic services to identify insects, disease, weeds
Use diagnostic, agent, specialist
recommendations
Compare chemical options based on time, availability, cost, companion tactics
Design effective spray schedules for plant pest management
Adopt recommended application techniques
Calibrate sprayer, select appropriate nozzles and pressure, test spray water
Post signage for recently
applied chemicals
Select materials based on REI, PHI, residues
Communicate with owners/users of pesticide-sensitive areas (beeyards, sensitive crops, etc.)
Demonstrate proper use of sprayers and equipment related to application (calibration, nozzle selection, boom height, etc.)
Identify active ingredients in chemical products and relate to modes of action
Read and comprehend directions
for applying chemicals (timing,
application conditions)
Observe proper chemical handling, storage, and cleanup in home, farm, or business
Chemical selection, mixing,
compatibility, adjuvants
Understanding drift mitigation
methods
Understanding IPM (triggers to spray, thresholds, etc.)
Identify pesticide-sensitive
areas around fields
Initial Outcome: Producers will be able to make better choices related to pesticide use based on their pests and environment.
Indicator: Number of producers using IPM guidelines, producers using proper chemical handling and cleanup procedures, Producers Identifying sensitive areas.
Method: Observations, Meeting surveys, Follow up visits
Timeline: pre/post programs
Intermediate Outcome: Producers will make wise application decisions with regard to chemical selection, cost, and field location. Producers will select products based on pest using PHI and REI intervals that fit their operations.
Indicator: Number of producers calibrating sprayers, sending applicators to a private applicator's training, producers adopting new herbicide technologies, Following recommended spraying guides.
Method: Observations, Meeting surveys, Follow up visits
Timeline: pre/post programs
Long-term Outcome: Producers will reduce drift from farming operations and minimize environmental impacts.
Indicator: Number of drift related complaints, reduction of crop injury incidences, slowing development and spread of herbicide resistant weeds through IPM practices.
Method: Observations, Meeting surveys, Follow up visits
Timeline: pre/post program
Audience: Producers, Chemical Applicators, Farm Workers
Project or Activity: Pesticide Applicator Trainings
Content or Curriculum: Training Videos, UK publications
Inputs: UK specialists, Publications, Agent
Date: January-May Yearly
Audience: Producers
Project or Activity: Demonstrations on Farm/ Crop Scouting
Content or Curriculum: UK recommendations, Publications
Inputs: Agent , UK publications
Date: yearly
Audience: Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Trigg Co Cattlemen Programs
Content or Curriculum: UK specialists, Publications
Inputs: UK specialists, Publications, Agent, Cattlemen's association
Date: Fall yearly
Audience: producers
Project or Activity: Ag Chemical Recycling Program
Content or Curriculum: UK pubs
Inputs: KDA container recycling literature, Agent, Trigg County Recycling Coordinator
Date: on-going