EXTENSION CORNER: Learn how to properly use restricted spray pesticides

Eric Wright
·2 min read
This training will help you learn how to calculate application rates, calibrate sprayers and ensure the safe handling and use of these chemicals.
This training will help you learn how to calculate application rates, calibrate sprayers and ensure the safe handling and use of these chemicals.

Many people spray pesticides on their property to handle insect and plant pests. If you spray restricted-use pesticides, go ahead and check your license. If your license is expired or expiring soon, we have some great opportunities coming up to help you get licensed up.

Extension offices across the state work with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries to offer this training and testing.

We have several regional agents who will be holding training sessions throughout Northeast Alabama. Norm Haley, Forestry, Wildlife and Natural Resources; Landon Marks, Animal Science and Forages; and Eric Schavey, Commercial Horticulture, will all be teaching the private pesticide training and offering testing.

The course at the Etowah County Extension Office will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 17, 2022. The training costs $20 and is payable by check.

Give us a call at our office to sign up. After a participant passes the test with a 70 or higher, he or she will need to forward additional permit fees and test results to the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, who will issue permits.

Most people who spray restricted chemicals know they need this permit to spray on their agricultural crops. It also is good information for anyone who does any large-scale spraying. This training will help you learn how to calculate application rates, calibrate sprayers and ensure the safe handling and use of these chemicals.

If you want to sign up or learn more about the program, reach out or stop by our office at 3200-A W. Meighan Blvd. in Gadsden, call us at 256-547-7936 or visit us on Facebook at https://bit.ly/3otwUdl or online at https://bit.ly/3yniPCx.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Everyone is welcome! Please let us know if you have accessibility needs.

Eric Wright is extension coordinator for the Etowah County Extension Office.

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Learning how to spray restricted pesticides