Sprayer School: A Regional Approach to Strengthening Pesticide Stewardship
Extension Education
Valerie Clingerman
EXTENSION EDUCATOR
PURDUE EXTENSION
VINCENNES
Abstract
In 2024, advisory councils for agriculture and natural resource educators across southern Indiana identified the need to train spray applicators in drift management and equipment safety on public roadways. Needs identification was strengthened by the increase in spray drift complaints filed with the Office of Indiana State Chemist, primarily involving over-the-top soybean dicamba applications. Equipment accidents were also reported publicly at this time. In 2024, Extension Educators in SW Indiana, Purdue specialists, a community college, and local experts and companies teamed together to design and offer Sprayer School. The program has been offered for three years, covering topics including: pesticide mixing procedures and tank compatibility, use of adjuvants, nozzle selection, drift and volatilization management, equipment road safety, sprayer operation safety, personal protective equipment, machine cleanout, maintenance, winterization, and calibration, weed identification, and drone application. This program serves an average of 80 participants per year. Yearly participant survey responses seek to gauge knowledge gained in each topic and perceived workshop quality using a 1-5 Likert scale pre-and post-workshop (1- limited knowledge and 5- expert-level knowledge). An additional question about practice and behavior change as a result of program attendance was asked of return participants (n=24) in 2025 and 2026. A total of 168 surveys have been collected to date. Each year, results indicate an increase in knowledge across all topic areas. Average reported knowledge increased from 3.13 to 4.20. Over 93% gave good to excellent ratings in presentation of information, time spent per topic, demonstrations, encouragement of discussion, and building connections to resources. Additional responses include: 91% adopted or changed a practice, 96% increased value/profit in their operation, 95% improved environmental or economic conditions, and 100% benefitted from attending a previous meeting.
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: Valerie Clingerman, Sarah Brackney
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Clingerman, V. Extension Educator, Purdue Extension, Indiana, 47591
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Brackney, S. Extension Educator / Soil Health Agronomist, Purdue Extension / Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative, Indiana, 47501