Success StoryPrivate Pesticide Applicator Training
Private Pesticide Applicator Training
Author: Clinton Hardy
Planning Unit: Daviess County CES
Major Program: Chemical Management
Plan of Work: Agriculture Production, Management, and Environment
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
Each year more than $12 million dollars of pesticides are purchased and applied to over 200,000 acres in Daviess County in no less than two applications resulting in a minimum of 400,000 acres treated annually. Not only are these applications expensive, they are ineffective if mixed and applied improperly. In addition to low efficacy, improper use can result in crop injury or off-site crop injury. Other problems which may occur with improper mixing and application may result in chronic or allergic health ailments for the applicator and mixer/handler or injury to the environment through point source and non-point source pollution. In addition to being harmful, these infractions are a violation of the label which is mandated in law and enforced by state and federal agencies. The private pesticide applicator training series is conducted by Daviess County Cooperative Extension ANR agent for people applying agricultural pesticides on land they rent or own. This class is required every three years to maintain understanding of the applicator requirements which are stated in the information labels of the products they have chosen. This requirement is to ensure the proper use of the products in regards to their safety, the safety of others and safety to the environment. Results from attendance in this program are applicators training in worker protection standards with the responsibility to return to the farm and train employees in the requirements. Attendees are updated in laws pertaining to pesticide use. A specific focus is on label revisions to comply with endangered species act language related to minimizing drift and off-target movement in water and soil runoff. Attendees are educated in mixing and application safety, specifically the importance of record keeping, personal protective equipment and environment. Fortunately, through my private pesticide application education program, applicators, their employees and family are leaving the program with a greater understanding and appreciation for personal and environmental safety regarding pesticide application. The have been no recent accidents or injuries related to agricultural pesticide mixing, loading or application that I am aware of. .
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