Success StorySouthern KY Pesticide



Southern KY Pesticide

Author: Gary Bell

Planning Unit: Metcalfe County CES

Major Program: Chemical Crop Management Tools

Plan of Work: Environment

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

Over six years ago agriculture and horticulture agents in the south part of District 6 developed the Southern Kentucky (SOKY) Commercial Pesticide Training Program for commercial applicators to be able to receive the continuing education hours that they need to be able to maintain their licenses. Of the 12 hours necessary over a three year period, 3 of the hours must be specific topics that relate to their license category. Many applicators were having trouble finding those specific hours without having to travel far away for them. The SOKY Commercial Pesticide Training Program has helped to meet this need. This is a two day training opportunity with production agriculture highlighted on the first day followed on the second day with an emphasis on turf and landscape companies.The event is held each year at the Logan County Extension Facility. More than 700 people have attended over the past six years. 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. Again this year,UK Extension Specialists, a KSU Extension Specialist, a Public Information Officer from the Ky. State Police, WKU Turf Professor, Extension Agents, and industry professionals presented information. While each year brings unique challenges, a concurrent theme throughout has been that attendants leave with new or re-gained knowledge that they can apply in their day to day operation. This year was no exception, with 100% of participants indicated that they increased their knowledge and awareness of the commercial vehicle transportation regulations and how they apply to them, 98% indicated an increase in understanding of insect pest management in tough environments, 97% gained skills to better manage weeds in row crops, 97% increased knowledge of golf course turf management, 100% increased their knowledge of Right-of-Way Regulations, and 93% indicated a better understanding of spray equipment calibration and maintenance procedures. Agents also sought input from attendees to help continue to improve the training in the future.






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