Lyon County CES

Title:

Chemical Management of Plant Pests

MAP:

Chemical Management

Agents Involved:

Susan Fox

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Pesticide Safety – Plant Pests

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Integrated Plant Pest Management

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Pesticide Safety – Livestock Pests

Situation:

Chemical application at its best is simultaneously safe, effective, economical and socially-conscious. Achieving each of these attributes is an ongoing educational process for a variety of groups, including farm managers, farm workers, point-of-sale employees. This process will include educational sessions, hands-on recommendations and site-specific farm visits. In addition, timely and relevant updates on chemicals will be provided with a focus on chemical safety and efficacious use.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Maximize profits for commercial ag producers.
Minimize environmental impact of air, soil or living area.
Reduce drift related complaints and damage.
Reduce the rate of pesticide resistance development in pests, weeds, pathogens.
Improve sustainability of crop production systems.
Reduce crop injury due to pesticide applications (rate, compatibility, application conditions).
Improve sustainability and profits of animal livestock production systems.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Successfully complete PAT and training in worker protection standards.
Use diagnostic service to ID insects, disease and weeds.
Use diagnostic and specialist recommendations.
Evaluate chemical storage, handling and disposal.
Adopt one or more storage, handling or disposal recommendations.
Adopt recommended application techniques.
Calibrate sprayer, select appropriate nozzles and pressure, test spray water.
Record chemical use, frequency, timing, tank mixes.

Initial Outcomes:

Demonstrate proper use of sprayers and equipment related to application.
ID active ingredients in chemical products and relate to modes of action.
Read and comprehend directions for applying chemicals.
Observe proper chemical handling, storage and cleanup in home, farm or business.
Chemical selection, mixing, compatibility, adjuvants.
Understanding drift mitigation methods.
ID pesticide-sensitive areas around fields.
Increase understanding of homeowner/gardener pest management tactics.
Awareness of concern due to antibiotic resistance in livestock chemicals.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Farmers with pesticide licenses.

Indicator: Attendance at trainings.

Method: Pesticide Updates.

Timeline: Winter 2018

Initial Outcome: Improved farmer and homeowner understanding of active ingredients, rotation and use of chemicals.

Indicator: Responses to individual discussions.

Method: Newsletter and news articles, Farmers Market LCMGA booth, individual requests for assistance.

Timeline: Throughout the year, 2017-2018

Intermediate Outcome:

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Long-term Outcome:

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Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers

Project or Activity: Pesticide Applicator Training

Content or Curriculum: State materials

Inputs: Nozzle demonstration, weed ID, farmer survey on chemical storage

Date: Winter 2018

Audience: Homeowner/Gardeners

Project or Activity: Farmers' Market Display, Butterfly/Pollinator Garden

Content or Curriculum: Master Gardener, home vegetable and fruit production, IPM and organic production.

Inputs: Master Gardener's, specialists, UK publications, farmers' market.

Date: 2017-2018 Throughout the year.