Nebraska Extension's Pesticide Safety Education Program is expected to recertify more than 6,500 private, commercial, and noncommercial applicators in 2018. Annually it conducts more than 200 initial and recertification educational programs across the state.
This week the university's Frequently Asked Questions Guide for RUP Dicamba Herbicides (FeXapan™, Engenia® and XtendiMax®) was updated to address new questions from growers. More questions may be added to the site from time to time so check back for further information.
Online training is available for Nebraska applicators who plan to use new restricted use pesticide (RUP) dicamba products in 2018. Nebraska Extension, working with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, developed the core curriculum, which is also being used for training at Crop Production Clinics and some in-person training sites.
Private pesticide applicators holding licenses that expire in 2018, as well as anyone seeking first-time private applicator certification, can contact their local Nebraska Extension office for information on pesticide safety education training sessions. About 200 statewide sessions will be held January-April.
Training will be offered January-April for Nebraska's commercial and noncommercial pesticide applicators seeking first-time certification or recertification of their license to buy or use restricted use pesticides in 2018. Find a site near you.
Figure 1. When turning equipment at row ends and moving it from field to field this hectic harvest season, be careful to always keep it at least 10 feet from overhead power lines. Power can jump or arc from the line to you and your equipment, creating a life-threatening situation.
This harvest season stay alert to overhead power lines and keep equipment at least 10 feet away, particularly at row ends and when working in unfamiliar fields. If equipment does hit a power line, follow the guide here to stay safe.
Figure 1. Personal protective equipment should always include gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, shoes, and socks. Some situations also call for protective eyeware and coveralls. (Photos by UNL Pesticide Safety Education Program)
Agricultural workers and handlers will have increased protection under revisions to the Worker Protection Standards that became effective in January 2017 and additional regulations that will become effective in January 2018.
