Author: Joanna Coles
Planning Unit: Warren County CES
Major Program: Chemical Management
Plan of Work: Livestock & Crop Production and Commercial Horticulture 2024
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
Applying crop protection and lawn/landscape chemicals 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 to receive continuing education to maintain their applicator license. The agriculture and horticulture agents around the Mammoth Cave responded to a need for a commercial training opportunity by developing the SOKY Pesticide Training Program. The agents organized, promoted, and secured speakers, coordinated with the KY Department of Agriculture and the TN Department of Agriculture, and facilitated the event. UK Extension Specialists, a KSU Extension Specialist, a Public Information Officer from the Ky. State Police, and a Transportation Cabinet employee presented during the 1-day program. 103 people attended the training (including speakers and facilitators). 528 hours of continuing education were received by these attendees. One applicator told us, “I have flown drones before, but seeing the larger ones and being able to hear and feel their power made me realize this was something we would use more of in the future.” Paper evaluations were collected at the end of the program. The information will be used to improve the program for next year. 44% of respondents indicated they would change their daily job duties and responsibilities due to the training. This is an increase over years past. These included Pre-trip inspections, using adjuvants, and proper mixing techniques. Evaluations also provided input on topics attendees would like addressed in future trainings. There were 3 Certified Crop Advisors who used the training to keep their licenses current.
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