Dates Set for Required Pesticide Training in Georgia

By Jim Steadman|January 19, 2017

Cotton and soybean varieties with tolerance to auxin herbicides (2,4-D or dicamba) are being commercialized in 2017. Before making applications of dicamba products to dicamba-tolerant cotton/soybean or 2,4-D products to 2,4-D-tolerant cotton/soybeans in Georgia, growers will be required to attend the “Using Pesticides Wisely” training.

“The training will focus on helping applicators/growers make wise decisions when applying not only 2,4-D and dicamba products, but all pesticides,” said Stanley Culpepper, University of Georgia Extension weed specialist. “Growers are strongly encouraged to bring their applicators with them. Attendance is suggested for all on-farm applicators to confirm that they have been provided the best management practices when applying all pesticides.”

Six sessions are planned throughout the state, beginning in early February and ending in mid-March. A listing of meeting dates, locations and times is available online.

Growers who attended and registered at 2015 or 2016 trainings are not required to attend the meeting again, but are welcome to do so. To date, this program has resulted in 1,499 Georgia growers completing the required training. Attendee surveys showed that 99% of growers felt the training was worth their time, and 98% believed the training would help them increase on-target pesticide applications.

Anyone with questions concerning their current pesticide registration should contact their local county Extension office.