Pesticides Can Protect The World

Practicing safe pesticide applications is one of the most critical things a producer can do.  As more and more crops have resistant traits and vulnerabilities, it is more important than ever to be educated about the pesticide applications that are made on the farm or in the greenhouse.   Each year workers are exposed to thousands of pounds of pesticides which could lead to illness, loss of life, or injury if the appropriate methods are not used.  

According to the World Health Organization, “Pesticides have numerous beneficial effects. These include crop protection, preservation of food and materials and prevention of vector-borne diseases. For example pesticides may be used in the prevention of malaria, which kills up to 1 million children per year, and for preventing other vector-borne diseases such as dengue, leishmaniasis and Japanese encephalitis. Pesticides are toxic by design – they are BIOCIDES, designed to kill, reduce or repel insects, weeds, rodents, fungi or other organisms that can threaten public health and the economy. (WHO)” When considering the use of pesticides, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of each application.   If the negatives outweigh the benefits of a pesticide application then that application should not be made.

On January 30, 2020 the Christian County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with Hutson Ag, and BAYER Chemical to host a pesticide spray clinic.  The clinic educated producers on proper spray technique and application as well as how to handle and transport chemical.  At the end of the day over 100 producers and applicators walked away with an understanding that pesticides can protect the world.