Cornell Cooperative Extension Offers Virtual Core Pesticide Applicator Training

SOUTHWEST, NEW YORK (December 11, 2020) – Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program (SWNYDLFC) will be offering a virtual training opportunity for agricultural producers to learn more about pesticide use on their farm. The training will take place on Tuesday, January 12^th from 9am – 10:50am, with a repeated presentation scheduled for Thursday, January 14^th from 11am – 12:50pm. The cost to register for the training is $20/person. To register for January 12^th, visit https://swnydlfc.cce.cornell.edu/event.php?id=1429 or to register for January 14^th, visit https://swnydlfc.cce.cornell.edu/event.php?id=1428.

1.75 pesticide credits in the CORE category have been approved for this event, and a confirmation email will be sent to participants prior to the training with information for accessing the virtual classroom. Those looking to receive recertification credits will need to have audio and video capabilities by using a computer, tablet, or smart phone, and their applicator license on hand. Topics to be covered during the training include: pesticide application certification; state laws and regulations; safety precautions; understanding pesticide labels, formulations, and mixing; selecting and calibrating equipment; record keeping; storage and disposal; and more! For questions, contact Josh Putman at jap473@cornell.edu or 716-490-5572.

*IMPORTANT NOTE* Because of COVID-19, the DEC did not require growers whose licenses expired in November of 2019 or later to renew their applicator’s license in order to buy & spray restricted use materials during the 2020 growing season. That discretionary policy is no longer in effect. If your license expired between November 2019 and November 23, 2020, you must obtain the full number of recertification credits and renew your license by February 23, 2021. If your license expires after November 23, 2020, you will follow the typical DEC guidelines.

Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program specialists are here to help provide research-based resources and support during this challenging time. Their team of four specialists includes Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Farm Business Management (716-640-0522 or kaw249@cornell.edu); Joshua Putman, Field Crops (716-490-5572 or jap472@cornell.edu); Alycia Drwencke, Dairy Management (517-416-0386 or amd453@cornell.edu); and Amy Barkley, Livestock Management (716-640-0844 or amb544@cornell.edu). While specialists are working remotely at this time, they are still offering consultations via phone, text, email, videoconferencing, and mail. They are also providing weekly updates with timely resources and connections via email and hardcopy and virtual programming. For more information, or to be added to their notification list, contact Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Team Leader, at 716-640-0522, kaw249@cornell.edu or visit their website swnydlfc.cornell.edu.

The Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program is the newest Cornell Cooperative Extension regional program and covers Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Steuben Counties. The Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops regional specialists work with Cornell faculty and Extension educators to address the issues that influence the agricultural industry in New York by offering educational programming and research based information to agricultural producers, growers, and agribusinesses in the Southwestern New York Region. Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities

If you would like more information about this topic, please call Josh Putman at 716-490-5572 or email jap473@cornell.edu. For more information about Cornell Cooperative Extension, contact your county’s Association Executive Director. Allegany County – Laura Hunsberger, lkh47@cornell.edu or 585-268-7644. Cattaraugus County – Dick Rivers, rer263@cornell.edu or 716-699-2377. Chautauqua County – Emily Reynolds, eck47@cornell.edu or 716-664-9502. Erie County – Diane Held, dbh24@cornell.edu or 716-652-5400. Steuben County – Tess McKinley, tsm223@cornell.edu, or 607-664-2301. 

Last updated January 4, 2021