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UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION PESTICIDE PRIVATE APPLICATOR EDUCATION PROGRAM: LONG TERM SUCCESS

Applied Research

Shannon Dill
Extension Educator - AGNR
University of Maryland Extension
EASTON

Abstract

\r\n For over 25 years, the University of Maryland Extension has conducted Pesticide Private Applicator education. In this time, educators have worked to bring University information and research to farmers and landowners in Maryland as well as to assist them in complying with State of Maryland regulations through workshops, recertification classes and publications.  Goals of the Pesticide Private Applicator education program include increasing farm productivity, applying safety measures, decreasing environmental impacts and meeting regulatory requirements.  A survey was conducted in the fall of 2011 to determine the results and impacts of the training.  It was a written survey sent to a randomly selected sample size of licensed applicators.  The response rate to the survey was 42%.  Results include applying information learned in class for crop production (81%), pesticide safety (88%), better recordkeeping (70%) and update on regulatory issues (72%).   When asked how the program has impacted their farm business 50% increased the use of integrated pest management, 62% chose appropriate pesticides, 75% applied safety precautions for themselves and 76% for the environment, 75% met regulatory requirements and 48% received timely research based information. 90% of participants report managing pesticides better and 69% report reducing the amount of pesticides used.  On average participants attending the training increased their profit by $5.95 per acre.  

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: *S.P. Dill, J.L. Rhodes, T. McCoy, A. Lazur
  1. Dill, *. Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 21601
  2. Rhodes, J. Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 21617
  3. McCoy, T. Evaluation Specialist, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 20742
  4. Lazur, A. Program Leader, AGNR, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 20742