Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The pesticide safety education program trained 852 commercial applicators and 1,077 private applicators to receive their initial certification by testing. An additional 1,332 commercial applicators and 1,604 private applicators were recertified either through training or re-testing. The PSEP also was responsible for training 1405 occupational training users and 650 homeowners/youth/non-occupational pesticide users. A total of 1078 commercial applicators attended training opportunities offered through Kansas State University. Hands on demonstrations were developed and delivered to youth as a means of helping them better comprehend proper storage of pesticides in their homes. PARTICIPANTS: The pesticide safety education program at Kansas State University is a multi-faceted, multidisciplinary program with participants from the Department of Agronomy, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Department of Entomology, Department of Horticulture, Forestry & Recreation Resources, Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas Department of Agriculture, and the Kansas Forestry Service. Frannie Miller serves as the Pesticide Safety and IPM Coordinator and as such serves as the program coordinator for this funding. Dr. Jeff Whitworth, Dr. Raymond Cloyd, Dr. Jason Griffen, Dr. Megan Kennelly, Dr. Rodney St. John, Dr. Dallas Peterson, Dr. Doug Jardine, and Dr. John Slocombe are all specialist representing the various departments which present educational materials at these trainings. Kansas Department of Agriculture staff assist with the logistics and present the "Core Hour". Professional development opportunities consisted of attending the North Central Region Pesticide Education and Certification Workshop TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for the entire scope of funding includes, but is not limited to, private applicators, commercial applicators, registered technicians, farmers, crop consultants, Master Gardeners, other occupational pesticide users, homeowners, youth and other concerned citizens. Other members of the target audience include colleagues who conduct work in pesticide application, so that improvements in future work and objectives can be made, and other extension specialists and county extension agents who need to have information from this program to extend to their clients. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Participants were encouraged to share a story on their evaluations. One participant commented, I noticed a large patch of a mystery weed in our pasture this year. I didn't know what it was, but I could tell it was invasive. After attending, I now know what it is,I also learned the best practices for killing it. I now also know that this is a noxious weed that is bad for our area and now I work toward killing it! Another participant learned that adding extra chemical does not necessarily mean more control. There is also not one single chemical that can keep bare ground throughout an entire 12 month period. These training classes teach about different species and pests that applicators may not be aware of. It helps applicators become successful in their field; therefore, they become a valuable asset to their companies. These trainings and materials provide educational topics for training additional employees, which help ensure employees perform their job in an approved and safe manner. These trainings help reduce misinformation being given out, as participants better understand proper procedure, receive resources they can reference, and develop a network of contacts they can call when they have a question.
Publications
- Raymond A. Cloyd, Pesticides Mixtures, Kansas State University, April 2012.
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