Success StoryLocal Commercial Pesticide Applicator Training Saves Money and Promotes Safe Pesticide Handling Practices
Local Commercial Pesticide Applicator Training Saves Money and Promotes Safe Pesticide Handling Practices
Author: Annette Heisdorffer
Planning Unit: Daviess County CES
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Plan of Work: Agriculture Production, Management, and Environment
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
Commercial pesticide applicators are required to attain continuing education units to avoid a large fine during the relicensing process. In November, the Daviess County Extension Agent for Horticulture Education organized a training program to help fulfill requirements for 32 professional pesticide applicators covering the city parks, home lawns, sports turf, and landscape management. The agent taught two sections along with two Kentucky Cooperative Extension Specialists. Through a survey taken after the training, the following benefits were reported: 100% said the program provided an update on laws and regulations; 78% learned more about the calibration of sprayers used for turf management; and 88% learned more about pesticide formulations. In addition, from the Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service providing the training locally, the City of Owensboro Manager reported a cost saving of $3,000 to $3,500 for the city for the 17 employees attending the training. Local training is a benefit for other businesses as well. They reported that the local half-day training allowed them to work half a day after the training instead of traveling. Another supervisor said that as a result of this training, he/she has seen a positive change over the past years, as the “Crew are more aware of better handling practices as well as storage and application methods.” Participants reported on the survey other practices improved because of the ongoing annual training, including pesticide handling practices, being more mindful of herbicide drift, following laws and regulations, and reading the label.
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