Professional Development- Pesticide Course

On January 26th, 2018 I traveled west to attended the Potter County Crops and Plant Clinic hosted by Potter County Conservation District and Extension agents. The clinic started at eight in the morning and went till three in the afternoon. Below you will see an outline of the agenda. As you can see there were several components.

This course served two purposes. First purpose was to grow in content knowledge. Second purpose was get an ideas for my community based project.

Agency Updates:
At this event there were two agencies present. The agencies that were present were Potter County Conservation District and Potter County Extension. The Potter County Conservation District were the sponsors of the Crop and Planting Clinic and master of ceremonies for the day. Potter County Extension helped run the meeting as well. They gave a presentation on Invasive Weeds/ Woodlot Management.

Practical Science of Nutrient Management:
I thought this was a great topic to start the meeting off. Everyone in attendance could understand the science of nutrient management on there land. It is understanding the balance of compounds like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane on the land.  

Manure and Nutrient Regulations:
The ultimate goal is to achieve higher yields and prevent loss of the environment. Whether they were farmers, foresters, or land owners, they could all find a connection with the information being presented. Nutrient Management Planning manages the amount, form, placement, timing and application of nutrients. Some topics that were covered were N-P-K, runoff, leaching, composting, and manure storage.

NRCS Funding and Projects:
Natural Resources Conservation Service spoke about funding and projects anyone could be planning in the future. Through the planning process you develop a written record of managements decisions. You can develop strategies for solutions. You can work with you county representative to get started and make a difference on the land. 

Invasive Weeds/ Woodlot Management:
Invasive weeds and woodlot management was something I did not believe I would be interested in the topic. However, the impact of weeds on woodlands effect the ecosystem and biodiversity within them. Invasive weeds have become a problem in Pennsylvania and could effect our forest horribly if no action is taken to control this issue. Some invasive weeds are Japanese Honeysuckle, Oriental Bittersweet, Multiflora Rose, and Poison Hemlock

Common Applicators Mistakes:
How many of you winterized your sprayer your sprayer this year? This was the first question asked to open up the common applicators mistake discussion. Winterizing your sprayer is a very important because this can ensure the best performance and maximum life span throughout the year. I learned that to winterize a sprayer you want to check filters, nozzles, pressure gauges and the sprayer itself.  

I found having a pesticide license is very beneficial. Not just as a farmer, but as an educator. Learning how to control pest will control profits. You can utilize a pesticide license in a field as well as a greenhouse. Greenhouses are one of the main ways that students get a hands on learning experience, so teachers can apply pesticides to prevent disease, weeds, or insects from destroying plants in that space. Integrated Pest Management is a huge part of plant science curriculum. Knowing how to chemically control pest will keep teachers and students updated on changes occurring each year. I will definitely be looking at attending more pesticide courses in my future!