Application of crop protection chemicals 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 have 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, secured speakers, coordinated with the KY Dept. of Agriculture and the TN Dept. 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 one-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 that, “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 is used to improve the program for the next year.  44% of responses indicated they would make changes to their daily job duties and responsibilities as a result of 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 to see addressed in future training.  There were 3 Certified Crop Advisors that used the training to keep their license current.