Many farmers participate in training at Spencer County Extension in order to obtain a Private Pesticide Applicator License.  This certification is good for three years and allows them to apply pesticides on their farm crops.  The training focuses on pesticide laws, understanding labels, understanding pest resistance,  and safe use of pesticides for farmers and for the environment.

Training is normally held in person at Extension Offices during winter and early spring months as farmers prepare for the crop year.  When the pandemic prohibited in-person training, University of Kentucky Extension, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, and County Extension Agents worked together to create alternative options for certification.  This included an online option for first-time trainees to complete training at any time and scheduled, virtual trainings offered using Zoom.  As pandemic restrictions were lifted, individual one-on-one and small group trainings were also offered to farmers.

The Oldham and Spencer County Extension Agriculture Agents taught three virtual trainings using Zoom.  Curriculum included University of Kentucky’s Pesticide Safety Education program presentations.  Additional group and one-on one trainings were offered by the Spencer County Extension Agriculture Agent in Spencer County.

A record number of 57 producers completed the training in winter and spring of 2021.  Participants represented a diversity of agriculture enterprises, including traditional grain crops, livestock, vegetables, and greenhouse managers and employees.  

• 42 producers completed training during scheduled, virtual trainings using Zoom.
• 3 producers completed first-timer/initial training through the Kentucky Pesticide Safety Education webpage.
• 5 producers completed one-on-one individual training in person.
• 7 producers completed training in small group settings in person.

During a time when many agencies were adjusting their general operations to meet customer needs, this Private Pesticide Applicator Training partnership proved very successful.  A Washington State University study “estimates the annual value of certified applicator training programs ranges from $6,787 (initial certification) to $13,366 (recertification) per trainee.  (Young and Ramsay, Journal of Pesticide Safety Education, Volume 13, 2011).