In recent years west Kentucky has seen a drastic increase in Glyphosate-resistant marestail which is our most common resistant weed, but most farmers have learned to manage it. More serious resistance issues exist with Italian ryegrass, Palmar amaranth, waterhemp, etc. Producers have always tended to use the pesticides that work for them, and they sometimes use them over and over. But the increase in herbicide-resistant weeds has forced producers to think more carefully how their chemical choices can be a factor in the development of resistant pests.

Seventy five producers received Restricted-Use Pesticide Certification training at six different Caldwell County Certified Private Pesticide Applicator Training programs. Training places a priority on safe handling of pesticides, proper identification of pests and selecting the correct pesticides for each situation. Farmers are also reminded of the importance of reading the pesticide label to find safety information. This year also saw an increased emphasis on Worker Protection Standard education as well as the ever changing topic of Dicamba based chemical applications.  

At each training certification participants were asked several questions about their on-farm chemical programs. As a result of the training, all grain producers present indicated a significant increase in knowledge of Dicamba related issues and have made plans to change chemical use patterns to address resistant weed issues on multiple farms they own or operate