Success StorySOKY Pesticide Training Delivered Via Technology



SOKY Pesticide Training Delivered Via Technology

Author: Gregory Drake

Planning Unit: Butler County CES

Major Program: Chemical Management

Plan of Work: Teaching Sound Environmental Practices

Outcome: Intermediate 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 applicator license.  Due to covid many applicators had a difficult time finding training opportunities as most field days or trainings were cancelled during 2020.  The agriculture and horticulture agents around the Mammoth Cave responded to a need for commercial training opportunity by developing the SOKY Pesticide Training Program and offering it via ZOOM.  The agents organized, promoted, secured speakers, coordinated with the KY Dept. of Agriculture, and facilitated the event.  This was the first time Mammoth Cave Agents have delivered training via zoom on this scale.  UK Extension Specialists, a KSU Extension Specialist, a Public Information Officer from the Ky. State Police, professors from Western Kentucky University, and a Transportation Cabinet employee presented during the two day program.  Agents worked with presenters to insure they were comfortable using the zoom technology to deliver their presentations.   Agents also worked with many participants to insure they could receive the training they need.  496 people attended the two day training.  5952 hours of continuing education were received by these attendees.    One applicator told us that,  “I am currently a sprayer and landscaper.  I learned a lot and will be applying my knowledge for safer and more effective practices for workers and myself”.   Electronic evaluations were collected after each day of the program.  The information is used to improve the program for the next year.  44% of responses indicated they would make changes to their daily job duties and responsibilities as a result of the training.  These included:  better equipment inspections, improved sanitation, and improved chemical selection.   Evaluations also provided input on topics attendees would like to see addressed in future trainings.  






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