Application of crop protection chemicals and lawn/landscape chemicals are important industries 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 12 hours of continuing education during a three year cycle to maintain their applicator license. 3 of these hours must address specific topics that pertain to their license category. Many applicators were having a difficult time finding training opportunities that fit into their work schedule and that were not a long way from their business operation. 

The Agriculture and Horticulture Extension Agents from the Mammoth Cave Area responded to a need for commercial training opportunity by developing the SOKY Commercial Pesticide Training Program. The event is held each year at the Logan County Extension Facility.  The agents organized, promoted, secured speakers, coordinated with the KY Dept. of Agriculture, and facilitated the event. The UK Pesticide Applicator Training Program provides guidance and support for this training. UK Extension Specialists, a KSU Extension Specialist, a Public Information Officer from the Ky. State Police, and industry professionals presented information during the two day program. 166 people attended the two day training. 996 hours of continuing education were received by these attendees. One applicator told us that he “gets all his training at this annual event, you guys get me what I need. There are a lot of jobs that I can’t even bid on unless I maintain my applicator license”. Paper evaluations were collected after each day of the program.  The information is used to improve the program for the next year. 93% of responses indicated they increased their knowledge of the topics presented. 46% of responses indicated they would make changes to their daily job duties and responsibilities as a result of the training. They also provided input on topics they would like to see addressed in future trainings.