Ballard County Farm Chemical ManagementPlan of Work

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Ballard County CES

Title:
Ballard County Farm Chemical Management
MAP:
Ballard County Agriculture Stability
Agents Involved:
Tom Miller
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Chemical Management
Situation:

Herbicide resistant weeds have become a big problem for producers in Ballard County. Current technologies can work when implemented in the correct way, but they can be abject failures when used incorrectly. New technologies have been developed and will be introduced over the next few years. Education and demonstration on their best use will be critical to their adoption and successful use in the future.

Long-Term Outcomes:

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)


Intermediate Outcomes:

Successfully complete PAT and training workers in worker protection standards (WPS)

Use diagnostic services to identify insects, disease, weeds

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

Record chemical use, frequency, timing, tank mixes

Post signage for recently applied chemicals

Initial Outcomes:

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)

Name 2 or more companion tactics to be used alongside chemical approaches

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


Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge

Indicator: Improves scores on survey

Method: Pesticide safety for management of plant pests survey

Timeline: Spring 2017


Intermediate Outcome: Growers will use correct products to control resistant weeds

Indicator: Number of resistant weed locations in late season

Method: farmers Dealer survey on pesticide success

Timeline: Fall 2017


Long-term Outcome: New technologies will be adopted

Indicator: Number of growers using new technologies

Method: Farmers and Dealers surveys

Timeline: Fall 2024

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Ballard County Crop Producers

Project or Activity: Pesticide Applicator Training

Content or Curriculum: Current videos and tests for Private Applicator training

Inputs: training videos developed by specialists, Tests developed by specialists use of personal examples and experiences

Date: Ongoing revolving training as licenses expire


Audience: Ballard County Crop Producers

Project or Activity: New Weed Control Options demonstrations

Content or Curriculum: Demonstration Plots to show new technologies

Inputs: Extension Weed Specialists, Retail Chemical Suppliers, On farm Cooperators

Date: Summer 2024


Audience: Ballard County Crop Producers

Project or Activity: Newspaper and Newsletter Articles

Content or Curriculum: Timely topics and updates

Inputs: Ky Pest News, In-service Trainings, Commercial Trainings

Date: Ongoing

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