|
|
Weed Management In-Service Training For Extension Agents And Industry Reps
| Name | Marion Barnes | | Situation | S.C. has 300,00 acres of pasture and hay crops. Cultural, mechanical, and/or chemical weed management is praticed on 80% of these acres. Well-trained decision makers are needed to convey appropriate management recommendations to farmers. | | Response | A pasture and hay field weed management training was held on February 3, 2005 at the Edisto REC in Blackville S.C.to educate agents, industry reps., farmers and other Extension personnel in the identification and control of weed species in bermuda and bahia grass. Over 25 Extension agents and more than 25 industry reps. and producers attended this one-day
training. Participants received written and electronic reference material to assist them when making recommendations to producers. Out-of-state speakers as well as speakers from Clemson University assisted with the training that was supported by industry and an IPM grant. | | Impact | A formal post-evaluation will be conducted in September of 2005 to obtain accurate information on numbers of producers and acreage affected by this training. However, a survey of participants indicated 100 percent increased their knoweledge in weed I.D. and improved their knowledge in making herbicide recommendations to producers. Participants indicated they are better able to identify weeds associated with forage production and are able to make the proper weed control recommendation to clientel as a result of this training. They also indicated the information presented at this training will help them educate producers to the importance of correct, early weed identification and this will lead to a reduction in pesticide usage by applying lower rates of herbicides for weed control. Agents and others in attendance also indicated a need for
yearly in-service training in this area as well as access to an up-to-
date ag. chemical handbook. Sixty-five percent felt there would be a
reduction of the amount of herbicides applied due to early weed I.D therefore needing reduced amounts of pesticides to control weeds in
pastures and hay fields. Most felt this would have a benefical effect
on water quality. |
Last update5/9/2008
This website is maintained by Amy West.
|
