Author: Joanna Coles
Planning Unit: Warren County CES
Major Program: Integrated Plant Pest Management
Plan of Work: Livestock & Crop Production
Outcome: Initial Outcome
Application of crop protection chemicals and lawn/landscapechemicals is an important industry in South Central Kentucky. Professional applicators must receive training to stay current on issues,pests, techniques, and safety for the products they apply. They need toreceive 12 hours of continuing education during a three year cycle to maintaintheir applicator license. 3 of these hours must address specific topicsthat pertain to their license category. Many applicators were having adifficult time finding training opportunities that fit into their work scheduleand that were not a long way from their business operation. Theagriculture and horticulture agents around the Mammoth Cave responded to a needfor commercial training opportunity by developing the SOKY Pesticide TrainingProgram. The agents organized, promoted, secured speakers, coordinatedwith the KY Dept. of Agriculture, and facilitated the event. The UKPesticide Applicator Training Program provides guidance and support for thistraining. UK Extension Specialists, a KSU Extension Specialist, a PublicInformation Officer from the Ky. State Police, and industry professionalspresented information during the two day program. 166 people attended thetwo day training. 996 hours of continuing education were received bythese attendees. One applicator told us that he “gets all his training atthis annual event, you guys get me what I need. There are a lot of jobsthat I can’t even bid on unless I maintain my applicator license”. Paper evaluations were collected after each day of the program. Theinformation is used to improve the program for next year. 93% ofresponses indicated they increased their knowledge of the topicspresented. 46% of responses indicated they would make changes to theirdaily job duties and responsibilities as a result of the training. Theyalso provided input on topics they would like to see addressed in futuretrainings.
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