Success Story2024 SOKY Commercial Pesticide Training
2024 SOKY Commercial Pesticide Training
Author: Leann Martin
Planning Unit: Logan County CES
Major Program: Integrated Pest Management
Plan of Work: Sustainable Crop Production through Chemical Management, Technology, & Environmental Stewardship
Outcome: Initial Outcome
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 need to receive continuing education to maintain their license. The agriculture and horticulture agents of areas of West 7 and 8 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 Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, and facilitated the event. Many attendees apply pesticides in Tennessee so we work to secure continuing education for them. University of Kentucky Extension Specialists, a Kentucky State University Extension Specialist, a Public Information Officer from the Kentucky State Police, a professor from Western Kentucky University, and a Transportation Cabinet employee presented during the program. 85 people attended the training (including speakers and facilitators). 510 hours of continuing education were received by these attendees. One applicator expressed their gratitude by saying, “Thank you for putting this on. I come every year to stay current on my hours, and you guys do a great job finding speakers and topics that apply to me.” Paper evaluations were collected at the end of the program. The information is used to improve the program for the next year. 51% 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 proper personal protective equipment, and look into getting licensed to apply with a drone. Evaluations also provided input on topics attendees would like to see addressed in future trainings. There were 2 Certified Crop Advisors that used the training to keep their license current.
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